Here for Culture

Newlyn Filmhouse is pleased to announce that we are one of more than 200 independent cinemas across England being supported with £16 million in grants from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, allocated by the BFI.


Alastair Till, Director of Newlyn Filmhouse:


“The Newlyn Filmhouse team is incredibly grateful for this investment. We are pleased that independent cinemas have been recognised by the UK government as cultural lifelines for the communities that we serve, particularly within remote areas such as the Penwith Peninsula.


We reopened at the end of August to socially distanced screenings and increased safety measures. Over the past year we have worked hard to stay open where guidance allows us to in order to provide access to films and special events on the big screen to our community.


We are so grateful to all those in our community who continue to support us through these challenging times – this includes our audience and members, our staff, Newlyn and Penzance’s cultural and independent business sectors, Cornwall Council, and the BFI.”


About #HereForCulture


Here for Culture is a movement that unites the public, government and cultural organisations in support of our fantastic cinemas, theatres, music venues, museums, galleries and heritage.


Whether on the global stage or quietly in our own lives, culture inspires, uplifts, comforts and entertains us. Now, in these challenging times, it’s our turn to provide a lifeline and show our support. The government is #HereForCulture with an unprecedented £1.57 billion of funding through the Cultural Recovery Fund coming through on top of the furlough scheme, bounce-back loans and emergency grants. The public has been #HereForCulture as organisations have innovated online and outdoors.


Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive, said:


“Across the country, local independent cinemas are hubs and lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment. From educational programmes and workshops for young people, to screenings for the elderly and audiences with specialised needs, these cinemas play such an important role in people’s lives. The Culture Recovery Fund will mean that many of these cinemas survive the current crisis, and go on to play a vital role in the recovery of local economies and communities, bringing people together to offer joy, solace and the magic of the big screen.”


As of 20th December, 202 cinemas have received funding from a £30 million pot allocated by the British Film Institute (BFI), on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as part of the biggest ever single investment in this country’s cultural sectors.

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