Today it has been announced that Birmingham Repertory Theatre has been awarded a grant of £1.38 million from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. 

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The REP’s Artistic Director, Sean Foley and Executive Director, Rachael Thomas said; “COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on our communities, city, and industry. We are hugely grateful to The Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the grant announced today for Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of the Culture Recovery Fund. 

“Without this essential grant there is no doubt that the future of our historic theatre would have been greatly compromised. Thanks to the support from DCMS and Arts Council England we can now channel our efforts into securing the future of The REP, protecting jobs, and employing freelancers. 

“As the only producing theatre in the UK’s Second City, we have continued with our wider civic mission during these unprecedented times - our vital education, creative learning, and outreach work that engages with young people and communities across the city have all been ongoing - but we can now look forward to investing in putting work on our stages and welcoming audiences back safely to The REP with plans for a season of work to be announced in the coming months. 

“At a time when Birmingham prepares for its moment at the forefront of international attention with Commonwealth Games '22, this investment will enable The REP to play our full part in the cultural renaissance of the City, involving and serving all its communities, and contributing fully to its economic recovery.  

“Today’s news brings hope, but there is no denying that these continue to be very difficult times for the cultural and events industries. We recognise that many artists and organisations in our industry still face an uncertain future, and we will do everything we can to support our industry and ensure that some of the benefits of our funding reach the wider workforce.” 

Adrian Lester, Trustee of the Board of The REP added; “The REP was one of the main reasons I applied to drama school. It was the first theatre I visited as a child and the first theatre I ever performed in. Without it, my life may have taken a completely different course.  The impact The REP has goes far beyond the economic contribution it makes to my home city - it is an essential and vital pathway for aspiring talent and for creating truly world class productions - and for welcoming back that talent when it has flowered. This wonderful news ensures that this historic, pioneering theatre - now under the exciting new leadership of Artistic Director Sean Foley and Executive Director Rachael Thomas - will be there to inspire and entertain again when it is possible to return to full production.” 

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted that The REP, has been successful through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. The theatre is a cornerstone of Birmingham’s cultural offer and this grant will offer them some short-term security and the opportunity to plan for the future. As the UK’s oldest building-based theatre company and Birmingham’s only producing theatre, The REP plays a crucial role in bringing inspiring and diverse theatre to the region. 

“The Government’s package is hugely welcome, providing much of the sector with resources to remain in business through to the Spring. 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. At a time where many communities and organisations face difficult challenges, this is a chance to continue on the road to recovery, post-COVID.” 

The REP is one of 35 major cultural organisations receiving the first grants between £1 and £3 million through the Culture Recovery Fund – with £75 million of investment announced today.  

This follows £334 million awarded earlier in the month to nearly 2,000 organisations, also from the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks. 

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