Durham Cathedral has received a grant of £812,200 from the Government’s latest round of the Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic.
The cathedral will use this further support to contribute towards essential operating costs as visitor numbers and income continue to recover to sustainable levels. The funding will support staff to care for the cathedral’s historic buildings and collections, and deliver a programme of events to engage visitors and build on the success of Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, which was recently displayed at the cathedral and experienced by almost 100,000 visitors in person and more online.
Durham Cathedral has been a reassuring constant and place of pilgrimage for the community for over 1,000 years; Grade I listed and universally recognised for historical, architectural, and spiritual significance, it is beloved by the region and sits at the heart of a World Heritage Site. Visitors come to experience extraordinary heritage, engage in lifelong learning, discover the story of the region, enjoy cultural performances, and connect with their faith and community.
Andrew Tremlett, the Very Reverend Dean of Durham welcomed the news, saying:
“The Culture Recovery Fund has delivered the greatest possible gift to Durham Cathedral – stability and capacity that will allow us to enter 2022 full of optimism. Although the last two years have not been without challenges, generous support from DCMS and the National Lottery Heritage Fund allowed us to use the time as an opportunity to transform how we work and ensure we continue to be a welcoming and safe space for our community. This continuity of funding will allow the cathedral to plan and deliver more spectacular events, such as Museum of the Moon, as we celebrate the arrival of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region and continue to protect and care for this magnificent building.”
Quote from Andrew Tremlett, the Very Reverend Dean of Durham
This continuity of funding will allow the cathedral to plan and deliver more spectacular events, such as Museum of the Moon, as we celebrate the arrival of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region and continue to protect and care for this magnificent building.”
Andrew Tremlett, the Very Reverend Dean of Durham
Nearly 140 heritage organisations in England will benefit from £15.5 million this Christmas thanks to the government’s unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.
This winter sites like Alexandra Park and Palace and The British Music Experience in Liverpool will receive a share of £14.8 million in continuity support grants as part of this next round of funding. Almost £1 million in emergency grants will also be awarded to 12 Heritage organisations struggling to survive, providing them with a financial lifeline.
A total of £138 million has been awarded to heritage organisations from the three rounds of the government’s £2 billion Culture Recovery Fund support package made available for arts, culture and heritage organisations during the pandemic. This third round of grants are part of the additional £300 million announced by the Chancellor at March’s Budget.
"I'm delighted that this vital funding from our unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund is giving so many brilliant heritage organisations a helping hand this winter. I want everyone to enjoy what our fascinating and diverse heritage has to offer and with this money we're safeguarding these organisations for generations to come." - Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“This latest round of the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage provides a welcome Christmas boost for Heritage organisations. With the situation changing daily, the funding will be crucial in helping heritage sites navigate their seasonal activities ensuring the safety of their visitors and their communities. The grants will also support organisations in implementing business plans as they work round the challenges for the coming year, helping financial sustainability and driving tourism so that we can look to a bright future for our heritage sector.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said:
“We are delighted that the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage grants continue to keep so many heritage organisations going. From major historic buildings to small community organisations promoting local heritage – all deserve this support, to continue to open up to everyone the opportunities that our shared history creates.”
Investing in heritage will support Covid19 economic recovery and make communities better places to live, creating jobs, driving tourism and improving wellbeing.
The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage is administered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Historic England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
