Plymouth Pavilions has been thrown a lifeline with a £726,000 grant by the Arts Council England.
The grant is part of the Cultural Recovery Fund Grant fund which is being shared between music venues which successfully applied for emergency support in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Venues have been facing huge challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic but were able to apply for emergency grants to cover on-going running costs incurred during closure, including rent and utilities. The Council played a key role in lobbying Arts Council England.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “This is fantastic news. Plymouth’s relationship with the Arts Council England has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and they have been truly committed to our cultural vision.
“Live music is part of that vision and the Pavilions plays a massive role in providing epic live music and entertainment events for all ages. Our ongoing commitment as a city to culture is being recognised and rewarded at a time when it’s really needed.
“It’s been a tough time for all music lovers but we really hope this will go some way towards tiding the venue over until better days.”
The application for funding had to demonstrate sustainability alongside national and local cultural significance and the Pavilions has been playing its part through developing grass roots music in Plymouth with the launch of the Pavilions Introduces series.
Councillor Evans added: “I’d urge anyone interested in live entertainment to keep looking and keep booking! The Pavilions - like the Theatre Royal - is planning ahead and live comedy and music will come back.”