Paul Waugh, Labour and Co-operative MP for Rochdale, has welcomed a share of the government’s major investment in cultural venues, with Skylight Circus Arts set to receive £125,990.
The funding forms part of the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund, a major national package to support cultural infrastructure and ensure communities can continue to access arts and creative opportunities locally.
Skylight Circus Arts will use the funding to improve its building and make its spaces more accessible, helping to secure its future and expand opportunities for local people.
The award follows a strong period for Skylight Circus Arts, who recently performed at Rochdale’s FAB Youth Arts Festival, showcasing their Youth Circus at Rochdale Town Hall and inviting families to take part in hands-on activities. They have also just been recognised at the Rochdale Culture Awards, where they won both the health and wellbeing award and the community award for their inclusive work across the borough.
Paul Waugh MP said:
“Our local arts organisations are at the heart of our community, bringing people together, supporting young people and celebrating what makes Rochdale special.
Skylight Circus Arts do incredible work, from inspiring young performers at the FAB Youth Arts Festival to their award-winning community programmes that build confidence and improve wellbeing.
This funding will help secure their future, improve access and ensure even more local people can benefit from everything they offer.
After years of underinvestment, it’s right that this Labour government is backing organisations like Skylight and recognising the vital role they play in communities like ours.”
The funding announced today is part of three national schemes supporting cultural venues, museums and libraries across the country. The Arts Everywhere Fund will invest up to £1.5 billion over this Parliament to support more than 1,000 sites across England.