The Arts Council England has revealed today that they’re investing over £282 Million in combined art organisations across the Midlands.
The news came after they announced on Monday 26th June their 2018-2022 national portfolio which is made up of a total 831 organisations from around the country.
Investing £170 Million more outside of London, the Arts Council aims to target more people in more places to organisations that bring a new energy to the arts and cultural sector.
Establishments in Leicester that have been granted funding include the University of Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre who will receive a total of £828,000 over the four-year period. The funding will enable the centre to continue developing its innovative programme of performance and creative learning whilst providing access to all.
Professor Paul Boyle, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester said: “The University of Leicester is committed to making a vital difference to the city and county and we are truly proud of the achievements of the Attenborough Arts Centre. The centre has a proven track record in delivering the ambitions of the late Richard Attenborough in providing great art for everyone.
“This is greatly appreciated as we recognise the difficult decisions that the Arts Council has had to take in its funding agreements so we are especially grateful. We can now look forward to delivering more and better art in collaboration with the Arts Council in the years to come.”
The Phoenix cinema and arts centre has been awarded £321,856 over the four years in recognition of their digital excellence. The funding will allow the Phoenix to carry forward its programme of free exhibitions, events and educational activities exploring the relationship between art and technology.
Alan Tuckett, the Chair of Phoenix said: “This is fantastic news for Phoenix and Leicester. With Arts Council England’s support, our art programme has developed rapidly with thousands of people engaging with work by digital artists from across the world.
“Maintaining the level of funding we receive at a time when public funding is under significant pressure is a huge endorsement of the quality and ambition of our work.”
Other organisations around the city include ArtReach, Serendipity, Soft Touch Arts Ltd and The Mighty Creatives. For the full list, visit: www.artscouncil.org.uk/NPO
