A CREATIVE hub for emerging talent has been awarded £85,000 of the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).
The Mono Box, Kidderminster Road, Droitwich, is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving the urgent grant support.
Mono Box provides budding theatre workers with unique training, performing and writing opportunities.
It also offers rehearsal space and access to a collection of thousands of play texts donated by industry professionals.
The not-for-profit arts organisation was co-founded in 2013 by choreographer Polly Bennett and actress and producer Joan Lyiola.
Polly, who worked on the upcoming James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’, said: “We are delighted and hugely grateful to receive funding from The Culture Recovery Fund.
“It will ensure we can continue to operate during this challenging time.
“The funds will be used to continue to expand The Mono Box’s work of supporting emerging artists, which is now more vital than ever.”
In Worcestershire £2,165,140 has been shared between 12 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and local venues facing the challenges of the pandemic.
The aim is to ensure they have a sustainable future and continue to bring joy to local communities and international audiences.
Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.
MP for Mid Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston added: “I’m extremely pleased to see organisations in the constituency benefit from the first tranche of the Culture Recovery Fund grants.
“We want to protect theatres, museums and performance centres to ensure that when the culture industry recovers, these places will be protected in our community.
“They hold a very important position in our local identity and as a Minister in the Department for
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, I look forward to continuing our hard work to support these sectors during these challenging times.”
