Arts Council England awards funding to M6 Theatre, Cartwheel Arts and Folk Expo

Three local organisations have been awarded funding from Arts Council England – and will receive it for the next three years.

The M6 Theatre will receive £300,000 each year, Cartwheel Arts will receive £157,930 and English Folk Expo will receive £96,748, joining Touchstones Rochdale as one of over 110 cultural groups in the North West to have been recognised in this way by Arts Council England

Each group has been named a National Portfolio Organisation, chosen for their leadership and progression within their respective fields, with the investment signalling a shared responsibility for protecting and developing arts and culture throughout the UK.

Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority lead for culture said: “Culture and the arts is so important, and today’s National Portfolio announcement by Arts Council England is brilliant news for our borough. 

“This is significant investment that will really expand opportunities for creative engagement and employment for residents. It also shows the level of confidence Arts Council England have for our plans and for the progress that has already been made.

“This funding will also make a massive impact to grass roots organisations doing such important work in their communities here in Rochdale.”

 

 

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said: “This is more fantastic news and I am so proud. 

“We know the value of these organisations and how much our communities benefit from them, as well as the contribution they make in helping us shape and celebrate arts and culture in the borough.

“Thank you to Arts Council England as it is their support, commitment, encouragement and recognition of the ambition we have for the borough that mean so much to the council and our wonderful creative partners.”
 

Read more: Touchstones Rochdale named National Portfolio Organisation for first time in venue’s historyPublished: 05 November 2022

Commenting, Chris Clarkson MP said: “I am focused on making sure that more people in more places can enjoy arts and culture on their doorstep and I will continue working with the Conservative Government to provide local organisations with the funding and support they need.

“The £482,930 being delivered by the Conservative Government will pay dividends across Heywood and Middleton boosting our local economy, creating jobs in the area, and bringing our communities closer together.

“We are widening access to arts and culture so that everyone can enjoy the fantastic arts and culture on offer here in our community and the benefits that investment brings.”

 

 

The Arts Council’s Levelling Up for Culture Places in the North will see a 65% increase in investment to them, as part of the 78 designated towns and cities across the country to receive their share of £43.5 million annually, for the next three years.

In total, 282 organisations in the North will receive a share of £446 million nationally (each year) ensuring that more people in more places can find fantastic, fulfilling art and culture on their doorsteps.

Sarah Maxfield, Arts Council England’s North Area Director, said: “This announcement marks a new chapter for the Arts Council’s work in the North, with a stronger focus on ensuring there are opportunities for people from all backgrounds to enjoy creativity and culture, particularly in places where there have previously been fewer opportunities to get involved in arts and cultural activities.

“As well as having a direct impact over the next three years, this investment will provide foundations we can build on in years to come, as we look to create a country where each person can enjoy arts and culture and explore their creative talents, and strengthen the North’s position as a world centre of art, culture and the creative industries.”