Arts Council of England funding for the Dukes
Press Release
Arts Council of England funding for the Dukes
North West Arts have confirmed today that they have secured substantial new investment from the Arts Council of England for theatre in the region and have also announced the increased funding for the Dukes for 2002/3 and 2003/4. This funding is part of the additional £25m support by the Government to the Arts Council of England. Of all the regions excepting London, the North West has received the largest amount of additional investment. This is recognition from the Arts Council of England that the North West has the liveliest arts scene outside London and that the Dukes and Lancaster are a beacon for arts activities.
The Dukes has been awarded a total of £340,000 for 2002/3 and £470,000 for 2003/4 - an increase of £240,000 on funding in 2000/01 (an increase of 104%). This will enable the Dukes to develop the work that is currently being done and to make concrete and confident plans to address many of the objectives laid out in the National Policy for Theatre in England. Amanda Belcham, Chief Executive Officer at the Dukes said "This additional investment in the Dukes is of significant importance in its recognition of the continued support by Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council for the arts. We welcome the Government’s initiative for additional support for the arts and are delighted to have received such recognition for the Dukes work".
Michael Eakin, North West Arts Board’s Chief Executive said "This substantial increase in investment has been hard won and is a testament to the quality and strength of the theatre sector in the region".
Ends 08.03.01