IP receives lifeline from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund

October 2020

Ilkley Playhouse has been awarded £60,454 as part of the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund

(CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure the theatre has a

sustainable future through to March 2021.

Ilkley Playhouse, a registered charity, has social and artistic aims and has been at the very heart of

Ilkley’s arts and culture for over 90 years, presenting diverse entertainment for all ages. The theatre’s work is locally rooted, but its reputation is far reaching.

Ilkley Playhouse is one of nearly 2,500 arts organisations across the country to receive much needed

CRF support.

Jamesine Cundell Walker, Artistic Director said: I am delighted that the Arts Council recognised that

the Playhouse is a central artistic hub for the area. We produce our own wonderful theatre and host

so many professional and community events in our well-equipped building. Thanks to this grant,

normal services will be resumed as soon as possible.

Justine Sowden, Theatre Manager said: Thank you to DCMS and Arts Council England for this

important grant. It will enable us to retain staff and continue to promote arts and culture in Ilkley. It

validates the work that everyone involved in the Playhouse does: from the wonderful band of

volunteers who give of their time and expertise to run the bar, provide refreshments, build sets, make

costumes; not forgetting the committee members who cast the plays and plan the seasons, the

directors, the actors and all the backstage support without which no play would ever see the light of

day. It means that we can face the challenging months ahead with hope. We are also thankful for

our audiences, participants, members, and supporters for their continued support during this difficult

time.

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