Bradford Theatres, which runs the King's Hall and Winter Garden in Ilkley has been awarded up to £894,423 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 grant will mean that Bradford Theatres can continue its education and outreach work, offering local students engagement opportunities. This grant is hugely welcomed as a lifeline for these iconic venues, helping to support and preserve Bradford’s arts and cultural life for the future.
Bradford Theatres, which as well as venues in Ilkley also includes the Alhambra Theatre, St George’s Hall and The Studio in the city centre, is run and managed by Bradford Council. The venues collectively offer a regionally significant programme and community use, and are a vitally important part of the national large scale touring circuit, hosting more than 350 performances per year, large and small. The venues serve some of the most densely populated cities in the North of England as well as isolated rural areas, including areas of high depravation and low cultural engagement.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said:
“The announcement is very good news for our historic and award-winning venues. This investment will mean that our highly skilled and adaptable staff can continue their work to ensure the venues can be enjoyed by many future generations in our district.
“It’s very exciting to know that we will be able to continue to offer opportunities for residents in our district to access our programme and venues. We’re very much looking forward to being able to welcome our loyal audiences back in the future.”