Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, owned and operated by University of Lincoln, has received a grant of £71,600 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen.

More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including LPAC in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre was previously successful in its application for £153,363 last autumn, which helped to safeguard local jobs and support its creative programmes. This further commitment to the centre will allow University of Lincoln to plan for a more sustainable future for LPAC, reviewing its business model in the light of changes to the sector nationally and the needs of audiences locally, whilst providing infrastructure support through its transition.

Artistic Director of Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, Craig Morrow, said:

“We are incredibly grateful for this ongoing support in such difficult times. This second grant means that we now have the space to plan for our reopening in a way that will better address the needs of local communities, exploring the long term sustainability of the venue and revitalising our role within the city.”

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:

“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

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

“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.

We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.