The Rose Theatre has been awarded a grant as part of the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kingston based-theatre has received a grant of £380,000 (according to the Arts Council Website) which is a huge lifeline in the current climate.

The Rose 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 very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for the Rose said: "Today's announcement regarding the Culture Recovery Fund from DCMS and Arts Council England for Rose Theatre is fantastic news.

"The grant will help to ensure that the Rose endures this challenging time, and all of us at the theatre deeply appreciate the positive and immediate impact that this funding and the #HereForCulture campaign will have across the sector."

"With this support, the Rose can continue to create inspiring and engaging theatre and fulfil its work as a centre for learning and participation and a community arts hub.

"We will remain a home away from home for our local communities and continue to nurture the next generation of theatre makers."

"We pledge ourselves to the freelancers who help us make our work and will continue to stand by their side through the rough times ahead. This support is crucial to safeguarding a future for the Rose.

"Without this grant and the support we have

received from our loyal supporters and audiences, alongside our key stakeholders — the Royal Borough of Kingston and Kingston University — the Rose would not survive.

"We look forward to a time of full auditoriums, bustling bars and backstage areas buzzing with excitement. Until then, we welcome you to return to the Rose from later this month for our socially distanced season of productions."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save

jobs and help the culture sector's recovery.

"These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector

can bounce back strongly."

Chair, 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."

Find out more about The Rose HERE