English Folk Dance and Song Society is awarded support in second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund
– Among more than 2,700 recipients in the latest round of awards from the £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund
– Award will support core costs during the next three months and a live performance programme at London’s Cecil Sharp House this summer, together with investment in digital developments
The English Folk Dance and Song Society has received a grant of £89,970 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, to help the folk arts in England recover and reopen.
The award will enable the Society to continue its support of amateur and professional folk dance and music throughout England as restrictions continue to be eased, alongside confirming a busy programme of live gigs at its London home. The organisation will also be able to invest in digital projects which will expand the reach of the folk arts across England and beyond.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, said:
“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced. Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”
Katy Spicer, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, said:
“We are delighted that Arts Council England have chosen us for this funding. This valuable support means that we can bring the folk arts to an even wider range of communities, in person and online, backing up our mission of placing the folk arts at the heart of the cultural life of England.”
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:
“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work. We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”
The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.
Note: some of Arts Council England’s early news releases in error said that the award is £169,770. The funding has been confirmed to be £89,970.
