Chesterfield Theatres and Museum receive 'lifeline' grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund

The town’s beloved Grade II-listed theatres, the Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, along with Chesterfield Museum have landed grants from the Government’s £1.57 billion CCulture Recovery Fund of £249,000 and £165,000 respectively.

The venues are operated by Chesterfield Borough Council and form a ‘key part’ of Chesterfield’s cultural identity.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said the cash boost was ‘vital’ to securing their future in the town.

"Despite the theatres reopening in July we have still faced a number of challenges because of the reduced seating capacity but this funding will ensure we can continue to deliver performances for the people of Chesterfield and help to support the theatre industry,” said Coun Sarvent.

"Unfortunately, we are still unable to reopen Chesterfield Museum due to social distancing requirements, but this funding will ensure we can continue to care for our collections and reopen them to the public when it is safe to do so.”

The Theatres’ broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema came to an abrupt halt midway through March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In July, the Theatres reintroduced cinema screenings, followed by live theatre performances in October.

The previous closure and the current requirements for events to take place with a reduced seating capacity has been challenging for the venues whose income from ticket sales, bar sales and venue hire are integral to the Theatres’ survival.

The Museum tells the story Chesterfield from its beginnings as a Roman fort, to the expansion of the Market along with the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

While the Museum has still not reopened since closing in March, the team have continued to create online events and activities to help residents connect with their heritage.

A total of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently-needed support.

£257 million of investment was announced this week as part of the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Across Derbyshire, the £3,835,527 investment will help 21 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and local venues.

Other recepients include Buxton Opera House and Grand Pavilion Matlock Bath.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation.

"It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country.”

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