The Stables awarded £847,013 from the Culture Recovery Fund
Monday 12 October 2020The Stables is pleased to welcome the news from Arts Council England today that it has been awarded £847,013 from the Culture Recovery Fund.
The award will support the charity over the coming 6 months as the COVID-19 restrictions continue to inhibit musicians from touring whilst social distancing measures and local lockdowns are still in place. Over the next 6 months The Stables plans to continue its music education work and present a number of socially distanced concerts at the venue in Wavendon, Milton Keynes. It will also enable The Stables, producers of IF: Milton Keynes International Festival to rescope the event which was cancelled earlier this year
Following the lockdown in March, The Stables lost 95% of its income posing a huge financial challenge in its 50th anniversary year.
Monica Ferguson, Chief Executive & Artistic Director said: “We are hugely relieved to receive the news of this award today. Cultural organisations and those that work in the cultural industries are facing an enormous challenge to survive this crisis and we are extremely grateful to Arts Council England for recognising that and working to support us. The Government’s £1.57billion Cultural Recovery Fund is a significant investment that recognises the huge contribution culture makes to the economy, learning, quality of life and well-being. Our award today recognises the contribution and dedication of The Stables and the incredible team of people it brings together to deliver world class music and entertainment in Milton Keynes and beyond.”
The Stables successfully staged a COVID-secure socially distanced concert on 13th September. The next scheduled events are Joanna Eden on 18th October, followed by Screaming Blue Murder comedy on 21st October.
1385 arts organisations are benefitting from a share of the £257 million announced today.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The government is here for culture and we have worked around the clock to get this funding to arts organisations. It will give many of our wonderful theatres, museums, art groups and cultural venues a helping hand to get them back on their feet. This money will get to work right across the country to save these places and protect jobs and hundreds of millions pounds is on the way for cultural organisations of all sizes that still need our help.”
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This is a difficult time for us all, but this first round of funding from the Culture Recovery Fund will help sustain hundreds of cultural spaces and organisations that are loved and admired by local communities and international audiences. Further funding will be announced later in the month and we are working hard to support creative organisations and individuals during these challenging times.”