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Mossley-based arts group scoops government grant

Mossley-based Global Grooves has been awarded just under £150,000 as part of the government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future.

The Culture Secretary announced that Global Grooves is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. 

Some £257 million of investment was announced as part of the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. 

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

The funding comes as a welcome relief to Global Grooves, which is based in Vale Mill in Micklehurst.

As a carnival arts organisation that spends much of its year outdoors, performing at large-scale events and leading workshops in educational settings, the majority of the organisation’s earned income in 2020 has been lost due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent restriction measures.

Funding from the Culture Recovery Funding will contribute towards Global Grooves’ core costs and help to secure its post Covid-19 future to ensure it can continue delivering its ambitious vision of high quality carnival arts with young people, artists, communities and other organisations.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. 

“This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Chair of Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. 

“This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. 

“Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

The CEO of Global Grooves, Leon Patel, added: “With the vast majority of our 2020 bookings cancelled, and as lockdown measures persist well into 2021, funding from the Culture Recovery Fund comes at a crucial time for our young, ambitious company. 

“This award will enable us to continue finding new ways to produce our work and support our artists to make transformative impacts in our communities.”

 

Main image:

CARNIVAL TIME: One of the past events put on by Global Grooves.

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