Rochdale one of 24 places in north west to be prioritised for £75 million of cultural funding

Rochdale is amongst 24 places in the north west to be placed on a priority list for a share of £75 million of cultural funding by 2025 as part of the government’s levelling up drive.

The news comes as the Culture Secretary announces that areas outside London will benefit from a £75 million boost in cultural funding. The exact amount going to each region is yet to be determined.

Cultural investment outside London via the Arts Council is expected to rise to almost £250 million by 2025 – the equivalent to a 19% increase by the final year of the Spending Review period.

Arts Council England (ACE), which will oversee the distribution of the funds, will see its overall budget increase over the period. It currently spends £21 per head in London and an average of £6 per head in the rest of England. 

The boost in financial support aims to ensure a better distribution of arts funding, help level up the country, and increase accessibility and opportunity in areas which have been culturally under-served in years gone by.

More than 100 ‘Levelling Up for Culture Places’ will be targeted across the country with organisations old and new encouraged to bid for funding.

 

 

The north west is already home to a number of organisations which receive ACE support including Manchester International Festival, Without Walls, and Brewery Arts.

Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “The north west is home to a huge number of important cultural institutions, and it has a long and proud artistic heritage.

“But for too long arts funding has been heavily focused on London.

“The government is changing that so that people across the north west of England can benefit from an even greater array of cultural activities on their doorstep.”

Rochdale Borough Council has been contacted for comment.