The Stag Sevenoaks has successfully won a bid for £445,395 from Arts Council England (ACE), securing its future until April 2021, it has been announced today.
Stag CEO Andrew Eyre said: “This is fantastic news to start our week! We are very grateful to the Government for this lifeline and also a particular thanks to our Member of Parliament Laura Trott MBE who campaigned so hard on our behalf. We will continue pushing forward to safeguard the future of The Stag and it is a huge relief to be awarded this money.”
MP Laura Trott said: “This is truly fantastic news and apt recognition of the enormous amount of work the town council, district council and leadership of The Stag have put in to keeping the theatre going in this difficult period. Today’s grant will undoubtedly provide a lifesaving boost, so that the theatre can continue playing a vital role in our community. For nearly 90 years, the Stag has been at the beating heart of Sevenoaks. I am excited that today we are now one step closer to it surviving another 90 years.”
The ACE Sustainability Fund is part of the Government’s £1.57 Billion Cultural Recovery Fund support package for arts organisations at risk of closure due to Covid-19.
The Stag lost around £250,000 during the lockdown and the slow recovery of its business since the venue was allowed to reopen has dented its revenue even further. Without substantial support, the not for profit charity organisation was likely to close after Christmas.
Films are shown everyday at The Stag’s two screen cinema and the theatre reopened to live events back in September. There is a series of big name shows planned for a special reopening season throughout October and November with the professional pantomime Jack and the Two Metre Beanstalk, set to run from 18th December into 2021.
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