Venues in Whitehaven have benefitted from the latest round of funding for the arts sector.

Cultural organisations have been particularly hard-hit by the financial hardship of the coronavirus pandemic following months of lockdown and a ban on public gatherings.

The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is one of the venues celebrating after receiving a £252,000 grant from the Culture Recovery Fund.

With many venues at risk of closure during the lockdown and further restrictions announced on Monday, the Government has issued funding to ensure the arts sector in England has a “sustainable future.”

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie said: “I am delighted at the announcement of substantial Government investment for some of the hardest-hit organisations in Copeland.

“Our local cultural offering has been enjoyed for decades and venues such as The Beacon Museum are paramount in celebrating our borough’s rich history and has been educating our children for more than 20 years.

"The importance of carrying out the work of these local institutions has not been lost and I thank all involved for their support and dedication to the preservation of history, arts and culture in Copeland.”

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said: “This year has been incredibly difficult for arts and cultural organisations across the country and many are in vital need of help. The Government is wholly committed to supporting our much-loved arts venues in Copeland and this crucial lifeline will have a huge impact, helping to safeguard jobs and preserve their vibrant futures for future generations to enjoy.”

The Rosehill Theatre in Moresby has received £207,000 in funding. Director Richard Elder said: “To receive this funding is great news, which is in addition to the Arts Council’s previous Emergency Response Fund.”

Funds are being used to produce art in socially-distanced times. The theatre also aims to produce live-streamed and recorded performances.

Mr Elder said: “This combination not only gives Rosehill greater financial security but also allows us to make progress with programming plans to produce work in different ways.”

“Challenging times remain, but everyone at Rosehill much appreciates this further investment from the Arts Council through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

“We know there will have been difficult decisions to take and we’re delighted our application was successful.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation.

“It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.”