Arts Council England is to invest more than £68.7 million over three years in the East Midlands through its new national portfolio of funded organisations for 2023–26.
A total of 73 organisations in the East Midlands have been successful in their applications for funding.
Derby Theatre is “thrilled” that it will retain its portfolio status and will receive £2,428,884 over the next three years.
The theatre’s artistic director and chief executive Sarah Brigham said, “this award is testament to the hard work our staff team have undertaken over the past four years. When the pandemic hit, we didn’t close but turned our attention to helping the most vulnerable in our community—from food packages to workshops for key workers’ children to online digital plays.
“This award is in recognition of how Derby Theatre plays a crucial role in the lives of Derby people.”
Buxton Opera House joins the portfolio for the first time along with Mansfield Palace Theatre, Leicester-based dance organisation Nupur Arts, Zest Theatre and Mansfield-based learning disabled and autistic company Unanima Theatre.
Arts Council England is increasing its investment in Northamptonshire venue The Core at Corby Cube, East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network and Chesterfield-based Junction Arts.
But In Good Company, the Midlands’ artists’ development scheme, which is led by Derby Theatre, was unsuccessful in its application.
Elsewhere, Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre has retained its status as a national portfolio organisation and its annual funding has gone up to £1,229,552.
Chief executive Laura Elliot and creative director Corey Campbell said, “over the next three years, this investment will be pivotal in enabling an evolutionary step-change for the Belgrade as we continue to develop our vision.
“The additional funding will enable us to build a cultural offer developed with and for the people of Coventry and the wider region, and proudly share it with the world.”