45 independent cinemas in South West secure £2.9million through Culture Recovery Fund
A total of 45 independent cinemas in the South West have been supported with £2.9million in grants from the government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund.
In the latest round of funding, more than 200 independent cinemas across England were awarded £16million.
Cornwall was the biggest winner in the South West, with 12 cinemas securing £1.1million, followed by Devon (£602,000 for 12 cinemas), Somerset (£391,000) for eight cinemas), Dorset (£374,000 for four cinemas), Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire (£233,000 for five cinemas), Swindon and Wiltshire (£144,000 for three cinemas) and Bristol (£42,143 for one cinema).
Independent cinemas will be able to apply for a further £14million in grants in the new year via the second round of funding.
The Culture Recovery Fund is an unprecedented package to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions through the pandemic.
Many of our much-loved institutions – from theatres, museums and pantomimes – have been able to apply for funding to help weather the impacts of coronavirus.
Recognising that cinemas need content, the government’s £500million Film and TV Production Restart Scheme has helped keep the cameras rolling.
The scheme opened for applications in October and has assured nearly 100 productions that they will be supported if future losses are incurred due to coronavirus and provided the confidence they need to restart filming.
Now the scope of the scheme has been extended so cast and crew over the age of 70 can be included in the cover provided by the scheme, giving them confidence to start or restart production, increasing employment opportunities for this group.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The magic of film is such an important part of the festive period and this investment will help protect our independent cinemas so they're around for many Christmases to come.
“Alongside it, the extension of the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme means the UK will be producing even more great content as the cinema industry recovers, keeping us at the forefront of the creative industries.”
ENDS
