Burnley Youth Theatre bosses welcome news of government cash as a 'lifeline' to help secure its future

Describing the cash windfall of £59,448 as a 'lifeline' the theatre's artistic director and chief executive Karen Metcalfe said the funding would give them 'security and reassurance that we will survive this crisis and still be here to thrive in years to come.'

Karen said: "Burnley Youth Theatre are grateful to receive this funding to support our organisation to

stay open and allow us to continue our vital work with local children, young people and families.

"The grant is truly a lifeline at the point where so much uncertainty lies ahead in the next six to 12 months for our organisation, and the arts and cultural sector as a whole.

" There is also the added pressure of the job retention scheme coming to an end, most of our usual income streams are depleted and Burnley faces tougher restrictions which could have a real impact on the work we do."

Burnley Youth Theatre is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.

£257 million of investment was announced yesterday as part of the very 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.

Also receiving grants in the town are Burnley Leisure (including the Mechanics) (£336,597), Burnley Borough Council (incluiding Towneley Hall) (£116,476), Mid Pennine Arts (£70,205) and Sanctuary (Jobe Entertainment) (£69,279).

Burnley Youth Theatre engages over 7000 children, young people and families each year through their youth theatre, education and outreach programmes. Their work impacts the lives of local people by engaging them in creative workshops, performances and projects which build confidence and self esteem, improve mental health, raise aspirations and bring diverse communities together.

The Culture Recovery Fund grant will help to sustain the organisation financially for the next six months by supporting fixed costs including overheads and wages, meaning that the organisation can continue to offer a programme of arts activity for local people and trial new initiatives such as socially distanced performances.

Anthony Preston, who is chairman of the trustees at Burnley Youth Theatre said: “The staff and trustees of Burnley Youth Theatre have been working tirelessly over the last few months to ensure the future of the organisation in these challenging circumstances.

"This grant will ensure that our charity will be able to continue to stay solvent and to offer children, young people and families arts and cultural opportunities which are much needed in these difficult times.”