NEWS COMMENT
ARTS GRANT
A
cultural venue that will bring internationally significant exhibitions to County Durham has been awarded £ 500,000 , as work gets underway on site .
Durham County Council has secured the grant from Arts Council England ’ s Capital Investment Programme to support its plans to reopen the former Durham Light Infantry ( DLI ) Museum and Art Gallery at Aykley Heads in Durham City .
Located in the Durham Innovation District , the reimagined venue will feature a dedicated and beautifully designed gallery displaying objects from the DLI collection .
By showcasing both iconic and rarely seen pieces , it will bring an important part of County Durham ’ s identity and pride to life , inspiring new audiences .
The venue will host high-quality exhibitions by local , national and international creatives and designers , with inspiring programmes and activities that encourage people to explore their own creativity and heritage . County Durham ’ s special connection to light art will also be nurtured .
With space for up to three temporary exhibitions , a learning and engagement studio , meeting rooms , and internal and external places for people to get together to create , socialise , eat and drink , it will become a cultural hub for residents and visitors alike – all located within a stunning parkland setting only minutes away from the city ’ s mainline rail station .
The Arts Council England funding will support the refurbishment , expansion and fit out of the gallery spaces , as well as the creation of the engagement studio , café and retail area . It will also help with the development of a digital offer that will ensure the venue will support new and exciting ways to engage in culture and heritage .
Expected to attract thousands of visitors
Durham County Council has secured the grant from Arts Council England ’ s Capital Investment Programme to support its plans to reopen the former Durham Light Infantry ( DLI ) Museum and Art Gallery .
Funding boost for reimagined cultural venue
a year from across the UK and overseas , the venue will enhance County Durham ’ s reputation as the Culture County and a yearround visitor destination .
Cllr Elizabeth Scott , Durham County Council ’ s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships , said : “ We ’ re delighted to have been awarded this funding by Arts Council England . It will help us to fulfil our ambition to create a world-class cultural venue capable of hosting internationally significant exhibitions ; a place where residents and visitors can witness creativity , innovation and heritage working together , and feel inspired to create and discover more .
“ In recent years , County Durham has developed a reputation as the Culture County in recognition of our rich heritage , creative zeal and forward-thinking approach to investing in culture .
“ We celebrate our past , but are constantly looking to the future , both in terms of nurturing talent and seizing opportunities to inform and inspire .”
Planning permission for the venue was granted last year , and preparatory works are now underway on site .
Once complete , the reimagined attraction will be a sister venue to The Story , which is due to open on Friday , June 14 .
The two venues will work together and with attractions across County Durham to support the development of the area ’ s local , regional and national visitor offer , ensuring creativity , innovation and heritage are celebrated and opportunities are seized .
The £ 24.2m Capital Investment Programme supports Art Council England ’ s mission to ensure communities across the country have the infrastructure where creativity can thrive . Awards go towards building works and the purchase of equipment and other assets to improve access , enhance technology and reduce environmental impact .
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