Greater Manchester Theatres awarded share of £7m arts fund

Theatres including the Royal Exchange, the Lowry and Bolton Octagon have been awarded a share of £7 million from a new fund that aims to support the arts in Greater Manchester.

Each venue has been given a two-year grant from the Greater Manchester Culture and Social Impact Fund. This new fund created by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority builds on a previous scheme overseen by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, known as section 48 grants.

The new fund supports all previous recipients of this money, as well as 11 new organisations. Each of the 28 arts organisations awarded money will work in and with communities in Greater Manchester to attract new visitors and talent to the area and to contribute to the skills and employability of residents.

The Royal Exchange has received £438,680 over two years, with the Lowry awarded £380,000, Home £273,800 and Bolton Octagon £214,400.

Mark Dobson, executive director of the Royal Exchange, said: “The breadth and growth of this support is another fantastic example of innovative thinking from the GMCA and their joined-up commitment to making Greater Manchester one of the most successful and culturally rich city-regions in the UK.”