Good news for Z Arts

Z-arts receives lifeline grant from Government’s 1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund 

I'm delighted to report that Z-arts, which does such sterling work in the community, has been awarded £132,000 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 announced two weeks ago. 

Z-arts 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.  

 This funding will allow Z-arts to explore alternative funding models, deliver the participatory activities for children and families that it is renowned for, and continue to create and support brilliant children’s theatre. The money secures its future until the new financial year, and allows it to continue to serve Hulme and Manchester, providing a lifeline for families at time of uncertainty.  

 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.” 

 Liz O’Neill, CEO of Z-arts said:  

“We are delighted to receive this funding which means we can provide a much-needed service to children in the North West. As an organisation Z-arts has prided itself on being there for our children and families as well as providing a strong programme of participatory activities and children’s theatre and this funding means we can continue to provide these whilst at the same time safeguarding our future.”