North East Mayor's new £2.2m fund to protect small venues is welcomed by Berwick creative
Grassroots venues across Northumberland will be backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ £2.2 million Small Venues Fund.
Recognising the role venues play in local communities as well as the region’s cultural identity, the new fund is designed to help creative spaces thrive and grow.
Ben Humphrey, from The Straw Yard in Berwick, said: “Venues are much more than performance spaces, they’re where communities are from, where people socialise, and where local culture actually lives.
"Small venues especially are a breeding ground for performers looking to develop their skills and experience and are therefore essential to the cultural ecosystem, not just locally, but nationally as well.
“It is hard for venues right now; rising prices means some venues are being forced to close and they can’t rely on audiences to sustain their operations. It is tragic, because without them, the North East loses part of its soul.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Our incredible grassroots venues are under threat, yet they bring so much to our region.
“I want to see them thriving and that’s exactly what this fund is about. Protecting the places where our brilliant home-grown talent takes its first steps and legacies are started.”
The three-year fund will deliver grants from £3,000 to £100,000 to enable small venues in the region of up to 300 seated capacity (or c.500 standing) to invest in equipment and infrastructure, or boost revenue-making operations.
The fund will be open for applications in the autumn with an initial £800,000 available in the first year.