Salford’s Lowry Theatre is set to receive more than £8 million in government funding as part of a move to help improve accessibility to arts and culture across the country.
Many of the 800,000 visitors who head to the theatre and gallery at Salford Quays each year are set to see noticeable improvements as £8.5 million in funding will allow the venue to undergo significant refurbishment.
The money will go towards improving access to its galleries, theatres and its family and conference spaces, as well as upgrading its cafe and retail facilities.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Arts and culture aren’t a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere.”
The Lowry Theatre is one of 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries across the country set to receive a share of almost £130 million from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund.
It will be the first time that projects will benefit from the fund, which also aims to revitalise cultural infrastructure and to protect and preserve arts venues for present and future generations.
The £127.8 million boost will be administered and delivered by Arts Council England on Tuesday on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
It is made up of three funds, including the Creative Foundations Fund (CFF), which has allocated £96 million to 74 arts and cultural venues across England to help theatres, performing arts venues, galleries and grassroots music venues address infrastructure needs.
The Lowry Theatre is among the biggest winners, while London’s Southbank Centre will receive £10 million, and the Royal Opera House, which is expected to get £5 million from the CCF.
Sir Nicholas Serota, Arts Council England chairman, expressed his delight at the funding boost: “Arts organisations, museums and libraries are the beating heart of our communities,” he said.
“After significant financial pressures in recent years, this vital investment will help organisations to secure futures where they thrive and not just survive.
“We look forward to seeing these cultural spaces flourish as they continue to provide access to excellent art and culture for everyone, everywhere, for many years to come.”
