HERITAGE chiefs are celebrating after the Museum of Royal Worcester was given £52,108 in the third round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
The cash to keep Worcester ‘Here for Culture’ is a huge boost for museum bosses as they seek to create a sustainable future for the city landmark.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries revealed more than £100million has been awarded nationwide from the Culture Recovery Fund to help deal with reopening challenges and to ensure cultural organisations can thrive in better times ahead.
The Museum of Royal Worcester is one of 925 cultural and creative organisations to receive this timely support.
Museum director Sophie Heath said the money would support the attraction through the winter and help it play a part as Worcester emerges from the pandemic.
“Our staff, trustees, volunteers and museum friends are working tirelessly to ensure Worcester people and city visitors continue to enjoy access to our collections and creative activities, including our new Paint-your-own-Pottery Studio and Pop-up Museum outreach programme.
“If you’re looking for inspirational and memorable activities to do with family and friends this winter, this funding allows us to open between Christmas and the New Year, and to develop a winter online programme of talks.
“The award also gives us the opportunity to involve people of all ages in our new Showstopper Trail, which will tell the story of Worcester Porcelain in our top 20 most important objects, each available to sponsor by companies or individuals,” she added.
More than £1.2billion has already been awarded from the fund, supporting around 5,000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said “This continued investment means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health.
“It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives,” he added.
THEATRE and arts bosses also had cause to celebrate with a further £244,400 handed out to city attractions.
Worcester Theatres, previously known as Worcester Live, will receive £122,000 while Museums Worcestershire which manages the Commandery and Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum was given £48,000.
Meanwhile, the Worcester-based English Symphony Orchestra will receive £74,400 to assist the organisation in continuing its return to performing in front of live audiences.
Sarah-Jane Morgan, the chief executive of Worcester Theatres said: “The DCMS have supported Worcester Theatres throughout the pandemic proving a consistent stability to our organisation, securing both the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall venues for the city of Worcester, whilst providing job security for those who work within the organisation.
“The funding has also allowed us the opportunity to continue to provide cultural and creative opportunities within the arts for the city of Worcester and the county of Worcestershire for those who have wished to access them throughout the pandemic,” she added.
Worcester’s MP Robin Walker said: “It is wonderful to see these four excellent local organisations being supported by the government.
“Worcester is a city rich in the fields of culture and the arts, meaning it is vital we support the organisations that drive this sector.
“The latest round of funding means that, despite the difficulties of the pandemic, Worcester’s culture and heritage remains in place for us all to enjoy.”
