The Courtyard Hereford has been awarded a £210,380 Capital Kickstart grant as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund enabling the organisation to push forward with Transform The Yard despite the financial challenge caused by the Covid-19 crisis.
The Capital Kickstart grants programme helps cultural organisations cover additional costs to capital projects caused by pandemic-related delays or fundraising shortfalls, such as building works, refurbishments, and large-scale equipment.
The Courtyard has recently come to the end of its capital expansion project ‘Transform The Yard’. The extension of the building will strengthen the region’s cultural infrastructure and enable further income generation to support community initiatives and future-proof the Arts Centre.
The grant will help The Courtyard complete the project and make necessary improvements to its new and existing spaces, including fitting out its brand-new shop and Café Bar areas. It will also enable the installation of a new air conditioning unit in the Garrick Room keeping it ventilated through the pandemic and cool in the summer months.
“The Courtyard is delighted to be a recipient of Arts Council England’s Kickstart Capital fund.” said Ian Archer, Chief Executive and Artistic Director.
“This incredible boost to our capital development will ensure that The Courtyard is in a better position to provide further opportunities for our 400 strong Youth Theatre. It will also enable us to enhance our work with schools and expand our education and outreach programmes. The additional space that has been created at The Courtyard will enable us to increase, strengthen and build on our strong relationships with our community and also provide a platform to develop the immense talent we have throughout Herefordshire.”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting The Courtyard as their newly refurbished front of house will become more accessible and will provide a commercial outlet for local artists. In addition, the grant will create more space for an increased course and workshop programme.
“Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting work to the public. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to increasing costs and time delays to many projects, so we’re delighted to offer additional funding to make sure these projects are completed, re-opened and of benefit to all.”