Buxton Opera House is thrilled to announce that it will become a National Portfolio Organisation from 2023-2026, receiving an annual fund of £300,000 from Arts Council England.
Under the new ‘Let’s Create’ strategy, Arts Council England is boosting spending in villages, towns and cities where investment is currently too low. A total of £446 million per annum of investment will bring art, culture, and creativity to more people, in more places, across the country.
Buxton Opera House is one of 990 organisations to receive a share of the funding, and one of 276 new organisations to become a National Portfolio Organisation.
Paul Kerryson, Buxton Opera House CEO, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to become a National Portfolio Organisation, and to have been granted a total fund of £900,000 from Arts Council England over the next three years. This grant is awarded to support our artistic and community work, and to bring high-quality, diverse and collaborative productions to Buxton. In these tough economic times, this funding is hugely welcomed and will help to sustain the future of Buxton Opera House. This award demonstrates confidence in the artistic and economic impact of Buxton Opera House and its activities. Thank you to Arts Council England for their investment in Buxton and the High Peak.”
Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said: "Buxton Opera House is at the heart of the Derbyshire's cultural scene, bringing dance, music, comedy, children's shows, drama, concerts and pantomime to the town. We're delighted to be welcoming them to the portfolio and it'll be great to see them continue to bring great art and culture to the people of Derbyshire."
Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps. We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”
Buxton Opera House is a registered charity. 34% of income is earned from the sale of tickets, but the remainder has to be found from other sources. A grant from High Peak Borough Council helps, but it also relies on the generous support of individuals, corporate sponsors and donors to help it deliver its work.
See more on Arts Council England’s 2023-26 Investment Programme on their website: www.artscouncil.org.uk/investment23
