Compton Verney receives second cash boost from Government’s Culture Recovery Fund - The Stratford Observer

Compton Verney receives second cash boost from Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

Stratford Editorial 2nd Apr, 2021   0

COMPTON Verney has received a £460,000 grant from Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

It is the second grant the art gallery and park has been given from the fund after being awarded nearly £1million last October.

The venue first closed its doors last March and saw earned income drop by 95 per cent.

Since then it has opened its grounds and briefly its galleries but event, hire, corporate sponsorship and events, wedding, retail and catering income continue to be devastated by the pandemic.




The Culture Recovery Fund grant will be used to support a range of initiatives. This includes a young person’s project which will research the collections so links can be made with a wider range of audiences in the gallery and online. It will also be used to reintroduce the site’s some 100 volunteers and for PPE, cleaning, security and staff training.

Director Julie Finch said: “This is brilliant news, the government has shown arts and culture have a vital role to play in the national recovery story. This funding is a lifeline for us, and will enable us to continue working hard to support our communities through learning, wellbeing and cultural engagement as we piloting our way through this tremendously challenging time. We are grateful to our visitors, communities, our partners and suppliers who have remained loyal to Compton Verney.”


The first round of funding in October saw the site receive £980,000. The money was used to support business development, with the implementation of a new catering offer, a winter programme allowing access to the grounds and redesigning of the play area.

Bosses say most vitually the grant included income to offset losses, as this new one will do.

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.”

Visit comptonverney.org.uk for more information.

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