Worcester City Council commits funding to support arts and community organisations through challenging times

Worcester City councillors have agreed to continue to commit over £527,500 worth of funding to support a range of arts and community organisations over the next five years.

“Arts organisations have faced a particularly challenging time across the UK this year,” said Councillor Marc Bayliss, Leader of Worcester City Council.

“The arts play an important role in attracting visitors to Worcester and boosting the economy. Worcester City Council is fully committed to strengthening the local cultural offer and also to supporting community organisations which have given a great deal of assistance to residents in recent times.

“Our aim in awarding these grants is to give these local organisations some financial certainty for the future, so they can plan ahead with greater confidence.”

At this month’s Policy & Resources Committee meeting, councillors agreed to continue with existing funding totalling over £279,000 per year to a number of long-standing partners, including Worcester Theatres, Worcester Community Trust, Worcester Wheels and the Three Choirs Festival, amongst others.

These grants are to be provided over the next five years, in line with a refreshed City Plan which was also agreed at the meeting.

Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief Executive of Worcester Theatres, said: “As Worcester Theatres continues to navigate the effects of the pandemic I am delighted that Worcester City Council continues to strongly support our organisation through this grant. It’s a clear indication of their desire to ensure the cultural sector remains strong in our city and will enable us to continue to provide meaningful opportunities for residents of the city to engage in the arts. The funding allows us to continue our work redeveloping and redefining our programming, ensuring more people can see a place for themselves at our venues in the future.”

The Committee also agreed to maintain a ‘small grants’ pot of £74,165 but to increase the maximum value of these grants to £5,000. Local small organisations are welcome to apply for grants at www.worcester.gov.uk/small-community-grants from 1 April 2022.