Commodore Cinema in Ryde, Ventnor Exchange and Stonecrabs Theatre Company are to receive a total of £137,000 from the Government as part of the Culture Recovery Fund.
Hundreds of arts, heritage and cultural organisations across England are set to receive a share of £107million from the additional £300million announced by the Chancellor at March’s budget for the Culture Recovery Fund, bringing the total cash support package made available for culture during the pandemic to close to £2billion.
The Culture Recovery Fund has already got £1.2billion out the door to around 5,000 organisations and sites across the country and this latest round of funding is giving a lifeline to regional theatres, local museums, independent cinemas and many more throughout the winter.
Commodore Cinema is to receive £53,035 of continuity support. Open since the 1930s and the only independent cinema on the Isle of Wight, the Commodore offers affordable cultural entertainment for families and people on the Island.
Adam Watson, Manager of Commodore Cinema Ryde, has said:
“We’re delighted to have received this grant from the Culture Recovery Fund. It means that we’re able to continue doing what we love, providing great value cinema for all on the Island.
“The Commodore is an independent, family run business so this money really will make all the difference. The Culture Recovery Fund has meant that The Commodore has been able to remain open. Without the fund, The Commodore would almost certainly have closed during the last year and an important cultural asset for the Island would have been lost.
“We’re delighted to report that, since reopening in May our audience numbers have steadily grown week-on-week. It’s been heartening to see people’s readiness to return to the Cinema experience. Above all we want you to stay safe, enjoy your great value for money cinema and we hope to see you very soon.”
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Ventnor Exchange will receive £35,000 of continuity support and Stonecrabs Theatre Company is to receive £49,633 from the emergency resource support element of the fund.
Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries said:
“Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.
“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”
