Oundle Music Trust's £58,823 Government boost for town's art and culture

An Oundle arts trust has received a lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).

Oundle Music Trust, which runs Oundle International Festival, Oundle for Organists, Oundle Cinema and Oundle Food Festival, has been awarded £58,823.

Cash from the CRF will help arts organisations facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic ensure they have a sustainable future.

Kenneth Richardson, Oundle Music Trust (OMT) artistic director, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work of our small team and to our importance as a cultural hub within Oundle and the greater East Midlands area.

"Along with the generosity of our Friends, sponsors and audience members, this award will enable us to plan ahead with confidence and emerge from the crisis renewed and re-invigorated.”

OMT is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.

£257 million of investment has been announced as part of the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

Ann Elise Smoot, director of Oundle for Organists said: “Oundle for Organists and the Oundle International Festival provide unique educational experiences and year-round support for the musicians of the future.

"The Cultural Recovery Fund’s support, alongside that of our many private donors and the grant-making bodies who have supported us over the years, allows us to plan for the future with renewed hope and enthusiasm, building on our successful 35 year history.”

Set up 35 years ago, Oundle Music Trust was formed to create artistic experiences with local, national and international partnerships, helped by sponsors and benefactors.

David Roxburgh, chairman of the board of trustees, said: “Oundle Music Trust has been presenting concerts and events of international standard alongside its world-class Oundle for Organists training programme for over 35 years.

"This grant brings stability during difficult and uncertain times and will enable the organisation to prepare to welcome audiences again as soon as we are able to do so."

Chairman, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences.

"Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

For more information on Oundle Music Trust click here.