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.”
A Lowry spokesperson added: “Lowry are absolutely delighted to have been awarded £8,500,000 from the Creative Foundations Fund, as announced today.
T”his is a major investment in the regions and a real vote of confidence in what we do and who we do it for. It is also part of a much wider investment in cultural organisations across towns and cities, helping more people access arts and culture in their own communities.
“For nearly 26 years, Lowry has been part of everyday life in Greater Manchester. We welcome almost a million people through our doors each year, and this funding means we can do even more for the audiences and communities we serve.
“This is about making Lowry work better for people. From the moment you arrive, we should feel open, welcoming and easy to navigate. We will improve step-free access, create new spaces for families, and give people more reasons to spend time here and feel that this is their place.
“At the same time, we are investing in the building itself, making sure it is efficient, sustainable and fit for the future, delivering environmental benefits, including a significant reduction in carbon emissions. This matters because it means we can continue to provide access to great art, creativity and shared experiences for everyone, including our free galleries, a free programme for children and young people, and the only free immersive experience of its kind in Greater Manchester.
“Most importantly, this investment will make a real difference to the people who come here every day, and to those who have yet to discover us. It ensures Lowry remains a place where everyone feels they belong, where artists can thrive, and where our communities can come together.
“We are very grateful to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Arts Council England and Salford City Council for making this possible.”
