We are delighted to share news that Theatre Severn will receive a grant of £532,978 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help us reopen soon and rebuild our local culture.

More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country, including Theatre Severn in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund.

The second round of awards made today will help organisations look ahead and plan for reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.

This grant will enable Theatre Severn to confidently pursue plans to re-open and curate an exciting summer season of events for all ages, including outdoor events at Shrewsbury Castle and participatory activities for children and young people.

Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place at Shropshire Council, said:
"We’re thrilled to receive funding from the Culture Recovery Fund.

Staff at Theatre Severn have worked tremendously hard to find new ways to bring the theatre to audiences and to support the COVID-19 support effort in the county, with the venue currently serving as a walk-in rapid testing centre.

Despite best efforts, theatres and the wider culture sector like so many others have been hugely impacted by the pandemic and have had revenue streams slashed. We are incredibly grateful in receiving grant funding to support the recovery of Theatre Severn and enable us to explore an exciting programme of events for people of all ages in the months ahead and give everyone something positive to look forward to."

In line with the UK Government Roadmap, Theatre Severn currently plans to re-open from 17 May 2021, initially with a programme of film screenings and selected live events, where appropriate social distancing and reduced capacities will be in operation until restrictions can be lifted further.



Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:
"Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work. 

We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society."

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said:
"We’re pleased to be investing in Theatre Severn through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. This funding will offer them the opportunity to plan for the future and prepare for reopening in the coming months. From hosting stand-up comedy and contemporary dance to family theatre, pantomimes and live music, the theatre plays a crucial role in bringing interesting and exciting cultural events to people across the region.

"The Government’s package is hugely welcome, providing much of the sector with resources to reopen safely. Building upon investment made in the first round of Recovery funding, we’re pleased to see that many more well-loved community projects, theatres, galleries, museums, clubs, music venues, festivals, key cultural suppliers along with other creative spaces and projects have benefited, and their communities will feel a boost as a result. Now that we’re hopefully on the road to recovery, there is much to look forward to as organisations get ready to reopen their doors, welcoming back audiences and making plans for the future."

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.  

Culture creates jobs, supports livelihoods, and brings joy to everyone. The UK leads the world in the creative industries and we can all feel pride in that.

#HereForCulture is a movement that unites the public, government and cultural organisations in support of our fantastic cinemas, theatres, music venues, museums, galleries and heritage.

We thank you, our audiences, for your incredible support and understanding and can't wait to welcome you again soon. In the meantime, check out our WHAT'S ON page and find lots to look forward to later this year and beyond.