We are delighted to announce that Fairport’s Cropredy Convention has received a grant of £100k from Round 2 of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. 

More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including Fairport’s Cropredy Convention in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

Cropredy Festival Organiser, Gareth Williams, said:

”We are extremely grateful for this award. The money from the CRF Round 1 has already filtered out in the form of deposits to our terrific support companies, without whom there would be no festival and the Round 2 grant will continue to ensure that we are all in place to open the gates once again this August.”

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer 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. 

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:

“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced.

Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead." 

Williams goes on to say: 

“The Arts have really suffered this past year and to have the confidence that we, and the businesses that rely on our festival taking place, are now in a position to meet the summer ahead is such a relief to all concerned. 

Again, our thanks go not only to HMG and ACE for awarding this grant but also to the loyal Fairporters who kept hold of their 2020 tickets and those who are continuing to purchase tickets for 2021. Your support has been amazing! We’re all looking forward to an incredible August weekend. We’ve all earned it!”

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.”

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.

#HereForCulture