Arts Council England confirms increased funding for Attenborough Arts Centre
The Attenborough Arts Centre has been selected by Arts Council England for a further four years of funding from 2018-2022.
The grant of £828,000 over four years, conditional to further negotiations, will enable Attenborough Arts Centre to continue developing its innovative programme of performance and creative learning, providing access to the arts for all in Leicester. The funding will also support the delivery of the arts centre’s exhibitions programme in the new £1.5 million gallery, opened in late 2015, one of the largest contemporary art spaces in the region dedicated to the display of contemporary art, and a major new asset for Leicester.
Professor Paul Boyle, President and Vice-Chancellor of our University, said: “The University of Leicester is committed to making a vital difference to the city and county and we are truly proud of the achievements of the Attenborough Arts Centre. The centre has a proven track record in delivering the ambitions of the late Richard Attenborough in providing great art for everyone.
"This is achieved in a wonderful building with a truly inclusive and innovative approach that reaches out to staff, students and the wider community in Leicester. I am therefore delighted to hear that Arts Council England also recognises the wonderful work that the centre does and has seen it fit to increase its funding to us over the next four years.
“This is greatly appreciated as we recognise the difficult decisions that the Arts Council has had to take in its funding agreements so we are especially grateful. We can now look forward to delivering more and better art in collaboration with the Arts Council in the years to come.”
Michaela Butter, Director of Attenborough Arts Centre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Arts Council England recognise the valuable work that we do and have decided to increase their investment on us. The funding we receive from ACE is essential in helping us to support and increase access for artists and audiences to great art. On behalf of the University of Leicester I’d like to thank ACE for their continued financial support and confidence in our organisation. The majority of the support from ACE is invested in supporting artists from a wide range of backgrounds and goes to make art inclusive for as many people as possible. We look forward to delivering more art to more people.”
Watch a video tour of Attenborough Arts Centre below: