Saffron Hall to receive £120k of Government funding

More than £100 million has been awarded to hundreds of cultural organisations across the country including Saffron Hall in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

Saffron Hall Trust has been awarded funds to support the increase in operational costs and overheads and shortfall in income due to reduced ticket sales and other income streams caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year Saffron Hall was one of only a handful of venues outside of London and presented over 70 socially distanced events, employing over 740 musicians. Also, over this period their Schools and Community work reached over 3,000 people through more than 60 online sessions, workshops and projects.

This autumn artists including Opera Superstar Joyce DiDonato and the Hall’s Resident Orchestras the London Philharmonic and Britten Sinfonia have been performing to rapt audiences. Even with a high-profile list of performers, the Hall’s ticket income has been reduced, with catering and fundraising revenue also affected.

The third round of funding will support organisations like Saffron Hall and others across the sector, as they deal with ongoing reopening challenges, ensuring they can thrive in better times ahead.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said:

“Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from."

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.

Angela Dixon, Chief Executive, Saffron Hall Trust said:

“The money we receive will help relieve the ongoing financial pressures we have faced due to the pandemic. This round of CRF3 covers November to January and will have a huge impact on our organisation. It will allow us to continue to provide high quality cultural experiences across our community. It’s clear that we are not out of the woods yet and that 2022 will be a tough year for us and all other arts organisations across the United Kingdom. We are so very grateful to the Government, DCMS and Arts Council England for their support and the recognition of the important work we are doing here.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

“This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives”.