Bosses at two Midlands theatres have secured Arts Council England funding for the next four years, although they will not be given any more money.
Coventry Belgrade’s funding will remain the same at a total of £3,768,860 from 2018 until 2022, although ACE has announced an increase for the city and the West Midlands overall.
The Belgrade’s chief executive and artistic director Hamish Glen said, “we’re delighted that our funding proposal has been approved and would like to thank the Arts Council for their continued support.
“The feedback we’ve received from the Arts Council has been highly positive and puts the theatre in a strong position going forward.”
He added, “we’re equally pleased to see an increase in funding for Coventry and the West Midlands, with particular benefit to our friends at Culture Coventry and Open Theatre Company.
“Every £1 invested in the arts generates at least £4 for the local economy, so this is excellent news for the city and for our bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021.”
Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre received praise for being a venue where “excellence is thriving and celebrated in the arts”.
The Victorian theatre has secured funding of £1,510,188 for the next four years. Chief executive Mark Goucher said, “we’re delighted that the continuing high standard of work at the Everyman has again been recognised by the Arts Council. It will enable us to deliver a great theatre experience to children, young adults and each member of our catchment area.
“I will strive to deliver the best quality musicals and drama in the main house while Paul Milton will do the same in our studio theatre. The staff’s dedication to this theatre is truly astounding and is why we have again been successful with this round of funding.”