Following the Government’s announcement that the arts and cultural industry is to receive funding as part of its second round of the Covid recovery scheme, several organisations across the Tyne Valley have revealed they’re able to benefit from the boost.

A variety of groups have this week revealed they are to receive funding as part of the scheme and are looking forward to returning in the next few months as a result.

The South Tynedale Railway in Alston has been given £33,100 as part of the recovery fund, ensuring that the location will be able to continue to get ready to welcome customers back from July 3.

Money from the recovery scheme - granted via the Heritage Fund - will also enable maintenance to be carried out on the line over the next few months ahead of the planned reopening.

Another announcement came from Théâtre Sans Frontières who have received over £25,000 as part of the second round of funding.

The Hexham based international theatre company will as a result be able to continue its work across Tynedale as well as further around the North East, as well as also being able to continue with several projects over the next few months.

These include a production of The Animal Olympics - designed to celebrate the Tokyo Olympics in simple French for children aged 6-11 - as well as upcoming master classes for older adults in the region.

Mortal Fools, a theatre, drama and creative learning charity based in Prudhoe will also benefit from the recovery fund.

“Mortal Fools is a highly respected organisation based in Prudhoe but providing services across the County and beyond, the performances are always well received and memorable for all, I am delighted that they have been successful in this funding,” added County Cllr Gordon Stewart who represents Prudhoe South.

Free master classes with professional directors in theatre, radio drama and dance for older adults in Northumberland

The planning of new work for children and young people for Autumn 2021 and Spring 2022

Théâtre Sans Frontières receives Culture Recovery Award

(TSF) is delighted to have been awarded £25,045 from the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

TSF is among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, from the DCMS

This award will enable TSF to continue its theatre and drama work across Tynedale and the North East. This includes:

  • The forthcoming production of The Animal Olympics that celebrates the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This is a joyful, interactive show in simple French that will tour schools in June and July, for children aged 6-11
  • Free master classes with professional directors in theatre, radio drama and dance for older adults in Northumberland
  • The planning of new work for children and young people for Autumn 2021 and Spring 2022

The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery.

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.