A £5million National Lottery grant has been awarded for Coventry UK City of Culture 2021.
Arts Council England is set to invest £5million in Lottery funding to “support the Coventry City of Culture Trust in delivering a fantastic year of cultural events and celebrations, alongside the build-up period and legacy programme.”
It follows around £10million investement in the initiative by Coventry City Council.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England said: “Coventry has a long tradition as a centre of creativity. People here are famous the world over for making things – and for making things happen.
“This new £5million investment from the National Lottery means the team behind Coventry’s winning UK City of Culture bid can now turn their creative dreams into reality.
“My belief is that by the end of 2021, the lives of everyone here will have changed for the better. Along the way, this sustained investment in artists and cultural organisations will secure Coventry’s rightful place on the national and international stage as a dynamic, innovative, inclusive, international and forward-looking 21st century city.”
Martin Sutherland, chief executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “UK City of Culture in 2021 is a chance to celebrate and highlight Coventry’s youth and diversity but to also bring long-term cultural, social and economic benefits to the city.
“This scale of backing and funding from Arts Council England will be a major contribution to realising that ambition.”
Chenine Bhathena, creative director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “Our bid to win City of Culture was bold and ambitious, challenging us to explore the role of culture in a diverse and modern Britain.
“Arts Council England very much shares our vision especially for putting arts and culture at the centre of the city’s social development, embracing our youthful, diverse and creative communities to reimagine ourself as a future city. We look forward to collectively sharing Coventry’s pioneering and revolutionary story with the nation.”
An event was held on Monday (October 22) at the Coventry Motor Museum to ‘celebrate’ the project, where the funding was announced.
George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council and Professor Phil Redmond CBE, chair of the City of Culture judges, were among speakers.
Mr Henley also announced new Arts Council investment in Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery and Museum of £376,000, to enable it to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
