Plymouth Arts Cinema was one of more than 200 independent cinemas across England supported with £16 million in grants from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, allocated by the British Film Institute.
It was awarded £47,419 which would have helped the cinema to continue to operate until March. However, the new national lockdown announced at the beginning of January means the cinema has been forced to close down again.
Anna Navas, the cinema’s director and film programmer said:
“This is obviously disappointing for all of us, staff, volunteers and customers alike, but everyone’s safety is our main concern so we will be keeping a very close eye on any changes to guidelines as the situation develops.
“We will open the cinema as soon as we are able to do so safely. We will let all of our members, customers and friends know details as soon as we can.”
The cinema only reopened at the beginning of December so the latest closure is another setback, as it is for other leisure venues in the city.
Anna added:
“We want to thank everyone so much for their continued support and patience, it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. We are part of a network of small, local, independent businesses and we all rely on people continuing to buy tickets and watch films with us. We wish you all a healthy New Year; it isn’t the start to 2021 we were hoping for but we look forward to welcoming you back to see some wonderful films with us very soon.”
Holders of tickets for cancelled shows will be contacted to ask if they would like a credit note or refund – or to make a donation to the cinema.
Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive, said:
“Across the country, local independent cinemas are hubs and lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment. From educational programmes and workshops for young people, to screenings for the elderly and audiences with specialised needs, these cinemas play such an important role in people’s lives.
“The Culture Recovery Fund will mean that many of these cinemas survive the current crisis, and go on to play a vital role in the recovery of local economies and communities, bringing people together to offer joy, solace and the magic of the big screen.”
Over 200 cinemas have received funding so far from a £30 million pot allocated by the BFI, on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as part of the biggest ever single investment in this country’s cultural sectors.
The BFI has been accepting applications and awarding grants to independent cinemas since autumn. Plymouth Arts Cinema also received a Safety Grant, to help venues meet the immediate costs of implementing Covid-secure measures to protect staff and audiences.
Cinemas will be able to apply for another £14 million in grants in the new year as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund. The new round of funding is in addition to the £30 million already being allocated by the BFI.
