ACE announces arts organisations closer to securing major capital funding

London’s Sadler’s Wells, Brighton Dome and Oldham Coliseum Theatre are among 20 organisations that have all been successful in the first part of their application to Arts Council England for large capital grants funding.

Sadler’s Wells has applied for almost £5 million to repair parts of the theatre, while Brighton Dome and Festival has asked for almost £6 million to revitalise its venues and Oldham Coliseum wants £5 million to create a new auditorium and stage house.

All three will now continue to the second stage of the application process – which will involve submitting detailed plans to demonstrate that they can deliver the project – in order to secure the money.

Other organisations that have reached the second stage of ACE’s large capital grants programme include London’s Tricycle Theatre, which has applied for more than £3 million, Grand Theatre Blackpool, which hopes to secure £700,000 to refurbish its studio theatre and Poole’s Lighthouse venue which is asking for more than £4 million.

ACE has also confirmed that 35 organisations have secured small capital grants totalling almost £12 million.

As part of this programme London’s Hackney Empire will receive almost £350,000 for repairs and refurbishment, while Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre will be given around £500,000 for improvements to technical and rehearsal facilities and Bolton’s Octagon Theatre has been awarded nearly £400,000 to modernise its stage equipment and improve customer facilities.

Alan Davey, chief executive of ACE, said: “The UK’s arts and culture sector is the largest cultural economy in the world as a share of GDP.

“The arts council is working hard to ensure that this valuable contribution continues and the capital programme is a key part of that. This funding enables arts organisations to maintain the excellent work that audiences across the country enjoy by providing them with high-quality equipment and flexible working environments.”