£1m emergency investment saves Derbyshire's cultural sector in lockdown

The Arts Council has invested £816.881 in 36 organisations and £211,254 in 93 individual artists across the county.

This emergency response package is designed to help alleviate the immediate pressures faced by artists, creative practitioners, cultural organisations, museums, and libraries.

Among the recipients are Deaf-intely Women, which is based in Amber Valley, and is run by D/deaf and hard of hearing women. The group has been awarded £37,038 for a Deaf Women Arts goes online! project offering workshops on painting, writing and photography. The money will also allow D/deaf female creative practitioners to make new work.

Teresa Waldron, managing director at Deaf-initiely Women who is deaf-blind, said “I am delighted that Deaf-initely Women has been awarded funding to empower all D/deaf and hard of hearing women to learn more about art and gain new skills in this field during the lockdown.

“ Many D/deaf women have been left stranded in not being able to communicate with other deaf women and learn new things about art.”

Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Youth Theatre has been awarded £6,800 to keep open.

Carole Copeland, youth theatre project officer, said: “The Pomegranate Youth Theatre members and workers are over the moon to receive this funding. It has made it possible for us to continue!

“Arts Council support has enabled us to get creative through these difficult times so we can come back with new and exciting ideas, and learn new skills to move us forward."

Other recipients include Barrow Hill Engine Shed, awarded £30,200 and Wirksworth Heritage Centre, awarded £24,456.

Peter Knott, area drector for Arts Council, said: “Thanks to the government and National Lottery players we’re able to give vital financial support to the many people and organisations that make up our vibrant cultural sector, for whom Covid-19 has dealt a devastating blow.”