More and more independent film venues are reopening across the country and, as the exhibition sector enters the next stage of its recovery, there are now a number of funding options available to organisations making the difficult transition from closure to reopening. The BFI Culture Recovery Fund, the BFI Film Audience Network Film Exhibition Fund and Cinema For All’s Lift relaunch package are there to support different exhibitors in different ways - be that awarding large scale business sustainability grants for full-time venues or providing discounted licensing options for community groups.
To help independent film organisations in the North find the support they need, we’ve broken down some of the key facts about the support packages, as well as the differences between them, below. If you’d like more information about what funding is right for you, or about specific support schemes, our team is hosting regular Hub Surgeries from 25 August. You can book your session now.
Culture Recovery Fund
What is it for?
The Culture Recovery Fund has been set up to support independent cinemas through this challenging time and to help secure and maintain a healthy, resilient and world-class film exhibition sector. There are two types of grants available: Safety grants to allow venues to comply with health and safety best practice; and Business Sustainability grants to underpin ongoing organisational viability.
How much is available?
Safety grants of £2,500 - £10,000 per site. Business sustainability grants of £30,000 - £200,000 per site.
Who can apply?
The fund is intended for independent cinemas in England. Applicants must be building based and provide a year round film programme, delivering at least 5 screenings a week. This includes dedicated cinema venues, volunteer-run cinemas and mixed artform venues. Film festivals and touring cinemas are not eligible. Applicants should be Members of their local Film Hub.
Who is managing it?
The BFI are administering the Culture Recovery Fund on half of the Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport. The fund is part of the UK Government’s major support package to help protect cultural and heritage organisations from the impact of Covid-19.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on Friday, 30 October.
Where can I find out more?
The BFI have set up a Culture Recovery Fund landing page which includes an introduction to the fund, downloadable guidelines and finance templates, and an FAQ document.
Film Exhibition Fund
What is it for?
The Film Exhibition Fund will help reboot independent film exhibition in the North. Grants are available to support organisations’ core audience development work as they restart screenings, and to ensure that the values of independent film culture play a key part in the recovery of the exhibition sector.
How much is available?
Funding of up to £10,000 is available.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to a range of organisations, including cinemas, arts centres, festivals and community groups. Applicants should be Hub Members and have a track record of audience development activity in line with our strategic objectives.
Who is managing it?
Film Hub North are administering the Film Exhibition Fund in the North of England. The fund is a UK-wide support scheme delivered by the BFI Film Audience Network and supported by National Lottery funding.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on Wednesday, 30 September.
Where can I find out more?
Visit our Film Exhibition Fund page for more information on the fund and to download guidelines, proposal forms and budget templates. If you’ve got further queries about the fund, book a Hub Surgery appointment or contact our team via email at: info@filmhubnorth.org.uk.
Lift Relaunch Package
What is it for?
Lift is a new package of support designed to help volunteer-run cinemas reopen their doors safely and affordably. It includes discounts on film licensing, support from distributors, special offers, training and grants.
How much is available?
Confirmed support includes Booking Scheme discounts allowing groups to screen a range of titles on a 3 for 1 basis and license back catalogue titles for £50. A training programme, complete with a bursary of £200 - £1,000, will take place in Autumn. And a limited number of grants up to £2,000 will be made available for organisations with their own venue.
Who can apply?
The funding and training opportunities offered as part of Lift are available to any volunteer-led film organisation. To access the Booking Scheme and WRS Insurance discounts, your organisation will need to be a Cinema For All member. Cinema For All provide different membership options for organisations working in all aspects of the community cinema sector.
Who is managing it?
Cinema For All, the national organisation for volunteer-led cinema in the UK, are administering the Lift relaunch package, which is supported by National Lottery funding.
When is the deadline?
Different aspects of the relaunch package will be available at different times, with further details to be announced soon. The discounted Booking Scheme offer is available for screenings taking place before 17 January 2021.
Where can I find out more?
All available details for this recently launched package are available on Cinema For All’s website. Further information will be shared via Cinema For All’s newsletter and at their annual Community Cinema Conference.
