By Esmae Palmer and Monet Olrod

More than 100 organisations across Eastlondonlines boroughs have received financial support from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund which assists cultural organisations that were financially stable before Covid-19 but were at imminent risk of failure.

The Fund aims to support galleries, theatres, performance groups and arts organisations. 

About 2,700 cultural and creative organisations are set to receive a share of more than £400 million in grants across the country, and South London’s borough funding totals £11,421,748, with Croydon receiving £1,178,530,  Lewisham £1,722,135, Tower Hamlets with £8,845,463 and Hackney receiving £7,143,854

SLiDE, a leading inclusive dance company based in Croydon is one of the arts groups to be given funding. Their projects and classes unite people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds through creative dance. 

Sue Rider, a director said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this funding which will enable us to move forward and build on our vision and ambitions. Over the last year, our community has successfully embraced online dance classes and performances, growing even stronger.

“We will use this funding to ensure that we come back from the pandemic more resilient. This is a fantastic investment in our community.”

SLiDE dance company was one of many others the government is set to help. Each company has been set a different funding amount to coincide with how much they have lost during the pandemic as well as how much they will need to get back on their feet.

Some of the other companies known to receive funding, as well as the amount they will receive in the Croydon Borough are BirdGang Ltd, Cellar Door group and Fables Creative.

In the borough of Lewisham, there are 29 companies that will receive support from the Cultural Recovery Fund. Some of these include AA/A Deptford, Ceramics Coop Limited, Deptford X Ltd and Jazz re;freshed.

The London Borough of Hackney is also a recipient of the funding with 67 groups benefiting from the government’s decision. Dalston’s Rio Cinema, Hoxton Hall and The Glory on Kingsland Road will be among others that the government is set to help.

Oliver Meek, Executive Director of Rio said: “Crucially this money means we can open again with confidence because the reality is being open with social distancing impacts so much on income.”

Filmpro Limited, Dante or Die Theatre Limited and HEC Global Learning Centre are just some of the many companies that are going to be financially aided in the Tower Hamlets borough. For the full list for Tower Hamlets click this link.

The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced- helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”