Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, is delighted to announce that arts organisations in Southend West will receive £359,299 as part of the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund.

Aimed at cultural organisations with key national and local significance, the funding will boost iconic venues and companies known around the world. Arts Council England has awarded ‘Veritas Entertainment’ and ‘In The Park Concert Ltd’ their share of the grant because they are vital to our local community’s culture through their theatrical and musical talents.

Sir David said “I am very pleased to see that Southend is being recognised for its cultural significance and congratulate both Veritas Entertainment and In The Park Concert Ltd for their invaluable contributions. I will continue to make representations for the other businesses, and the self-employed, that are still struggling financially. No one in the arts sector should be overlooked”.

More than 1,300 arts and cultural organisations are to receive a share of £257 million as part of a vital financial boost from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced today.

The investment will save 1,385 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and local venues facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure they have a sustainable future. It is the biggest tranche of funding distributed to date from the Culture Recovery Fund.

This funding will help allow performances to restart, venues to plan for reopening and to protect jobs and create opportunities for freelancers.

Today’s announcement will be followed by further allocations of grants and loans to successful applicants to the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund in the coming days and weeks.