Government grants from the Culture Recovery Fund provide vital support for cinemas in the North.
After a tumultuous year for the film exhibition sector, we’re pleased to end 2020 on a double-bill of good news from our colleagues at the BFI. First up in their 20 December announcement: more than 200 independent cinemas across England are being supported with £16m in government grants through the Culture Recovery Fund.
We’re pleased to see 49 cinemas in the North listed among the funding recipients, representing over £3.5m of investment in the region. The venues supported in this round of awards make up the essential fabric of the North's film culture - this funding is a vital boost that will allow them to re-engage audiences with confidence and a diverse film offering.
Featured among the awardees are the independent chains which bring film to towns and audiences all across the North; family and community run venues which sit at the heart of local high streets and neighbourhoods; and leading cultural cinemas such as the Hub’s own South Yorkshire base, the Showroom Cinema.
We are extremely grateful to receive support from the Culture Recovery Fund during this difficult time. This support will enable us to bring the best films from around the world to Northumberland and engage with every sector of the community. - David Nixon, Cinema Manager at Forum Cinema Hexham
With the Culture Recovery Fund, we will be able to continue screening our eclectic and independent film programme to our local audience and support our dedicated team who have made Ilkley Cinema the much loved community hub it is today! - John Tate, Director atIlkley Cinema
The second bit of good news is that more funding is incoming. Recent changes to local restriction tiers have seen swathes of sites in the North shuttered for a second time, and an uncertain public health picture in the coming months coupled with an unpredictable release calendar mean that additional support is required.
Funding assessments are ongoing for the remainder of the Culture Recovery Fund’s original £30m budget. Beyond this, a second round of funding has been launched which will make £14m available to cinemas through grants in the new year. Guidance for applicants, eligibility criteria and application information are available now.
We’ll continue to work with our partners at the BFI and in cinemas across the North to help the region’s exhibitors access the support they need. Exhibitors can book a 1-2-1 Surgery with our team – restarting from 12 January – to discuss their situation and future plans.
