Cultural and arts organisations across the Tyne Valley will benefit from over £1 million that has been given as the industry begins to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has announced over £1.1 million has been invested in the arts and cultural sector across Northumberland as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund. 

Distributed by Arts Council England, organisations in Northumberland including Queen’s Hall Arts,  the Vindolanda Trust  and the Woodhorn Charitable Trust will all benefit from the project, with more than 2,700 cultural and creative schemes across the country also being given a boost in funding via both grants and loans.

“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,” said Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England.

“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."

Across the country, a total of £400 million has been given for the project to help rebuild the industry as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

“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,” added Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.

“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.”

Another organisation in the region to benefit from the news is Hexham Abbey, with the A Grade 1 listed place of worship set to receive up to £291,900 as part of the Government’s Covid recovery scheme. 

“The awarding of this grant is wonderful news for the Abbey and will help to ensure that we move into the future with confidence and hope,” said David Glover, Rector of Hexham Abbey. 

It’s hoped the money will help towards allowing the Abbey recover and reopen ahead of an expected busy summer of tourism activity in the town.