I am pleased to welcome a £371,000 funding boost for Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham as part of the Labour Government’s latest investment in cultural venues across the country.
This funding, delivered through the £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund, will help refurbish the venue and secure its future, with improvements to the box office, air conditioning, acoustics and auditorium.
The Ropetackle is a much-valued part of our community. It brings people together, supports local culture, and is an important part of what makes Shoreham such a special place to live. I am proud to have worked alongside Labour colleagues on Adur District Council to help make the case for this investment.
Across England, 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries are benefiting from this latest round of support. It is part of Labour’s plan to back the community spaces people value and ensure they remain open and accessible for years to come.
After years of underinvestment, I am proud that this Labour Government is recognising the importance of arts and culture and backing the institutions that matter to our local community.
Jeremy Gardner, Adur District Council Leader and Councillor for St. Mary’s ward, said:
Places like the Ropetackle are a vital part of our community and local economy – somewhere people come together, enjoy a performance and take pride in where they live.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the council to work with the Arts Council England and the Ropetackle to enhance and repair the venue ensuring its social and economic benefits to the community continue into the future.
“It shows the difference a Labour government, working with Labour councils and local organisations is making.”
Labour’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
Across the country, people take real pride in where they come from. Our local arts, museums and libraries are a big part of that, telling our stories, reflecting who we are, and bringing communities together.
“That’s why our Arts Everywhere Fund matters. We’re backing the places people care about most, with support for 130 venues across the country announced today.
“Arts and culture aren’t a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere. They bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging. That’s the role they can play as we build a stronger future for our country.”