Castle Park Arts Centre has been awarded £50,000 as part of the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future.

Castle Park Arts Centre is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.

£257million of investment has been announced today by the Culture Secretary as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Arts Centre trustee, Hugh Hoather, said: "Castle Park Arts Centre has become a special place in the community for its culture, art, support and entertainment.

"Receiving this funding will provide much needed financial support to underpin our ability to ride out the considerable challenges the pandemic has presented. We now have the best possible chance of being able to survive this crisis."

"Vital boost"

The Arts Centre has regional significance and provides cultural opportunities to the North West of England and North Wales.

It is currently home to almost 50 groups and associations and welcomes over 80,000 visitors each year.

Central to the ethos of the Arts Centre is the value placed upon being a safe, welcoming space for the community.

This grant will help protect its viability through the Covid-19 crisis so it can continue its valuable contribution to the community it serves.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector's recovery.

"These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country.

"This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly."

For more information about Castle Park Arts Centre, including events and exhibitions, click here.