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The Lightbox receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund

13th October 2020

The Lightbox gallery and museum has been awarded £64 thousand as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced today.  

 The Lightbox is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.  

 The gallery and museum is one of the most exciting cultural spaces in the South East with a philosophy that embodies the notion that art has the power to make you feel good. Their diverse cultural programme includes exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists, local heritage, talks and tours, social events and creative and therapeutic workshops for all ages. The Culture Recovery Fund grant will help sustain The Lightbox cultural and community arts programmes in these challenging times. 

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: 

“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.  

 “These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.” 

Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: 

 “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.” 

 Director of The Lightbox Marilyn said: 

 “The Lightbox is immensely grateful to Arts Council England for the award of funding from The Culture Recovery Fund. This vital funding will enable us to keep our doors open and to continue our community programmes which are even more needed during the difficult times we are experiencing. Our visitors comment on how much visiting our calm, safe spaces helps their wellbeing and mental health – we are so glad we can keep on helping our community in this important way. Thank you, Arts Council England.”