We are delighted and relieved to have been awarded £351,000 as part of the Cultural Recovery Fund. Along with thousands of arts organisations across the country, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Arts Council England and DCMS for acknowledging this crisis and its impact on venues like ours. This funding gives HOME a platform to adapt to this extraordinary situation and build for the future.
But the impact of this crisis is undeniable. While social distancing is in place, more than 700 seats are locked off sale – and each one of them means lost income of up to £130 per week. Even with this timely injection of support, the financial challenge ahead is significant. You can help by donating to our Empty Seats Campaign.
HOME will to continue to serve its audiences with social distancing in place, and to work with our colleagues across GM to inspire our communities and ensure the arts thrive in spite of this crisis. It’s been joyous seeing people back in our cinemas, and are delighted that our first live performance, Young Identity’s Working From HOME, will reopen our theatres tomorrow.
We also want to take this moment to thank Manchester City Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the BFI – all of whom have been responsive to our needs since our enforced closure.
Dave Moutrey
Director & CEO