MK Gallery awarded culture grant as part of £30 million project

Garfield Weston Foundation announced that over £30 million has been awarded to Arts organisations.

This is part of the Weston Culture Fund, organised by the Weston Family to support arts organisations that have been forced to close their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Alongside MK Gallery other notable organisations supported by the fund include, the National Theatre, Northern Ballet and the NoFit State Circus.

Grants range from £100,000 up to £1.5 million based on the size of the organisation.

A spokesperson for the MK Gallery said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive a Weston Culture Fund grant. This grant will enable us to develop our community engagement, create new opportunities for artists & producers as well as improve what we, as a venue, are able to offer. Thank you so much [Garfield Weston Foundation]."

The Garfield Weston Foundation Director, Philippa Charles stated that the funding provided nationwide was increased by more than 20% after the trustees saw such a positive reaction from organisations to their project. She said: "“Our cultural sector is at the heart of our local communities providing not only entertainment but education and inspiration for many.

"Our Trustees were impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit shown across the arts in response to Covid-19 and it was a privilege to hear what organisations had been doing to not only survive but also to reinvent the way they reach audiences. What really stood out was the level of collaboration and support they had for each other and the determination to keep going despite the increasingly difficult situation."