New Funding Will Ensure Heritage and Culture is Accessible to All

Arts Council England has awarded £927,000 of funding to the District Council which will see its Heritage and Culture Team, working across the National Civil War Centre – Newark Museum, Palace Theatre Newark and Newark Castle and Gardens, deliver inclusive, ambitious and exciting cultural services and events over the next 4 years and increase creative opportunities for young people and under-served groups.

Plans for the funding include the further development of the National Civil War Centre – Newark Museum’s already successful Learning offer for schools, the expansion of their Mini Museum activities which offer stimulating creative play opportunities for young children and their carers, an Our Heritage project to engage with under-served communities and amplify their voices and a one-day arts festival touring more isolated locations within the district.

Across the four years, a key aim is seeking to break down barriers for access to culture including language, deafness and socio-economic background. The team also plan to work collaboratively with young people to understand their cultural needs as well as increasing their offer of low-cost activities to improve access during the Cost of Living crisis.

Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This funding will enable our fantastic Heritage and Culture Team to improve our residents’ lives, inspiring their creativity and connecting them to their heritage and each other. It’s so important that we understand the needs and interests of our diverse communities and this project should enable these venues to become inclusive and valued focal points for culture across the district.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director, Arts Council England, said: "We're delighted to be welcoming Heritage and Culture (NSDC) to the portfolio with the Palace Theatre Newark, Newark Castle and Gardens and the National Civil War Centre – Newark Museum all connecting people through creativity and culture. Each venue promises to inspire audiences and bring communities together."

Newark and Sherwood District Council is one of 990 organisations across the country which will share £446 million per annum of investment from Arts Council England to bring art, culture, and creativity to more people, in more places, across the country. Newark and Sherwood is one of a number of Levelling Up for Culture Places and these areas are receiving £43.5 million worth of the investment each year to ensure that spending is boosted in arts, museums and libraries in villages, towns and cities where investment is currently too low.

To stay up to date with plans for the funding, make sure to follow the Palace Theatre, National Civil War Centre and Newark Castle on Facebook.