Creative organisations receive multi-million-pound boost

Creative organisations across Derby and Derbyshire have received a multi-million-pound boost thanks to Arts Council England.

Artcore, Déda, Derby Museums, QUAD, Derby Theatre and Sinfonia Viva are among those who have been included on the Arts Council’s National Portfolio.

They are among 990 organisations nationwide who will receive a share of £446 million each year from 2023 to 2026.

In Derbyshire, 17 organisations will receive a share of more than £4.5 million.

Sarah Brigham, artistic director and chief executive at Derby Theatre, said: “I am pleased that Arts Council England has decided to continue funding us as a National Portfolio Organisation.

“This award is testament to the hard work our staff team have undertaken over the last four years.”

Vivek Malhotra, chief executive at QUAD, said: “We are delighted and relieved to have secured funding support from Arts Council England for the next funding period from April 2023.

“This demonstrates continued faith in QUAD’s arts, cultural and creative programmes.”

As a National Portfolio Organisation, Derby Theatre will receive just under £2.5 million over the next three years to support key strands of its programme of work.

Along with the theatre’s partnership with the University of Derby, the cash will ensure that it can continue to make professional home-grown productions, attract the best of touring theatre to the city, support artists and enhance its relationships in the heart of the community.

Sarah Brigham said: “This award is in recognition for how Derby Theatre plays a crucial role in the lives of Derby citizens. 

“A huge thank you must also go to the University of Derby, who continue to support the theatre, and to the audiences and communities who continue to show their passion for the venue, as well, of course, to the staff and trustees who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have built on our artistic vision of being at the heart of the community of Derby, and beyond, and steered us through these tough times.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE, chair of Derby Theatre and vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that Derby Theatre has retained its status as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

“The theatre plays a significant role in our city, providing cultural vibrancy and prosperity.

“Our unique Learning Theatre model, in partnership with the theatre, offers students, the community, and the artistic industry, a range of innovative learning and participation experiences.

“This renewed recognition from Arts Council England will ensure that these valuable opportunities continue to develop.”

As a National Portfolio Organisation, QUAD will receive £1.4 million over three years.

QUAD is Derby’s cultural hub and a registered charity, which opened to the public in 2008, and since then has been at the heart of Derby’s cultural scene, as well as being internationally recognised for providing quality and excellence in the arts.

Its facilities include cinemas, gallery, café bar and workspaces, providing the setting for contemporary art exhibitions, films and events.