The Culture Recovery Fund has been introduced by the government as a way to show that they are #HereForCulture by providing grants to support arts and cultural organisations. The initiative is aimed at supporting people in the industry, and also the communities that arts and cultural organisations reach.

We are delighted to have received a grant from the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund which will allow us to continue our programme of music-based activities in Morecambe.

Here’s what some of our supporters have said:

Sophie from Haiku Salut, “Super happy for More Music receiving the cultural recovery fund! So very much deserved. They’re always connecting the dots and bringing people together to make meaningful and banging events. We can’t wait for our next visit.”

Sam Ud Din, Co-Chair of the Board, “More Music and its staff have continued to support the community, especially young people and freelance artists, throughout the last year – very often expanding into new online activities. Getting live events back in the calendar will be just one priority for our work in the year ahead, now possible with this additional funding agreed.”

Liz Neat, Co-Chair of the Board, “More Music is a groundbreaking organisation, locally, nationally and internationally with an incredibly talented and creative staff. This funding creates some security at a time that has been challenging for voluntary sector arts organisations. It’s very good news!”

Dr Erica Lewis Leader, Lancaster City Council, “It’s great to see the important work of More Music being supported by the Arts Council’s Culture Recovery Fund. The arts are a vital part of the Lancaster District supporting local jobs & strengthening local communities. MoreMusic in particular centres its work on making the arts accessible, nurturing young talent and using music to celebrate and commemorate with communities.”

Rozi Plain “Congratulations more music on this well deserved funding. So looking forward to returning to this generous and inspirational community and venue one day soon”

Polly Eldridge from Sound UK “Sound UK are really excited to be working with More Music for the first time in 2021 and can’t wait to tell you about our plans…”

 

More Music focus on providing opportunities for people of all of age groups and cultures to participate in music-based activities. Like many arts organisations, our work was disrupted by Covid-19 however, we quickly responded and were innovative in our approach, continuing to deliver a full programme of music making, gigs and events throughout the pandemic. We launched ‘More Music at Home’ to bring our workshops online, have livestreamed gigs on YouTube and Facebook Live and sent out a team of strolling musicians play to outside Morecambe’s care homes last summer.

Kathryn MacDonald, Executive Director, described the relief that receiving this grant has provided for the organisation, “We are delighted, and extremely grateful to Arts Council England for this support. We feel able to move forward with confidence, to continue our work with our community and to make wonderful things happen as we come out of the lockdown restrictions. Our commitment to the West End of Morecambe and the district is ongoing and this funding makes everything look much more optimistic “

Liz Neat and Sam Ud-din, Co-Chairs of More Music’s Board added, “More Music is a groundbreaking organisation, and its staff have continued to support the community, especially young people and freelance artists, throughout the last year. Getting live events back in the calendar will be just one priority in the year ahead, now possible with this additional funding. It’s very good news!”

The team are excited for the months ahead, as the Culture Recovery Fund has provided security and the opportunity to plan an excellent and exciting programme. We will continue to deliver sessions and events online and with restrictions beginning to ease, will plan outdoor, socially distanced and community focused cultural experiences for the summer.

Nationally, the second round of awards of the Culture Recovery Fund 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.

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.”

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.”