We are very pleased to announce we have been successful in securing some additional funding from The Culture Recovery Fund for Independent Cinemas (Round 2) to help us to reopen later in the year.
Earlier this year we were relieved to receive vital funding from Round 1 of The Culture Recovery Fund, and this further support means we can continue to fulfil some of our goals for development in 2021 when we can open the doors as lockdown eases.
Support for upcoming projects
We are one of the 2,700 organisations receiving a portion of nearly £400 million in grants and loans to help the culture and heritage sector reopen and recover. Of these organisations, just 92 are independent cinemas, and 87% of the available funding has been awarded to cinemas outside London.
About the application process
For both Round 1 and Round 2 of funding applications, we have worked with an independent consultant, Jonny Tull, who has expertise in the independent cinema field.
"Working with Jonny Tull has been fantastic. During the pandemic, our independent cinema has entered very uncertain times. As well as working with us to generate new ideas, Jonny also used his expert eye to refocus our existing strengths," says Rebecca E Marshall, the Electric Palace's director.
So, we are delighted that our strong, clear application received support from the cinema exhibition industry to enable us to launch our proposed upcoming set of projects.
These projects include reviving our Book to Film Club, hosting regular online (and in person) events, 'Film and food' events, and Summer Music Season including a fantastic pop-up live event - so much to look forward to!
Independent cinemas around the country
On behalf of the Culture Recovery Fund, The British Film Institute (BFI) has awarded £6.5 million to independent cinemas across the country. This includes £138,333 for the East Finchley’s Phoenix Cinema, Britain’s oldest cinema in continuous use where Dame Judi Dench is a patron, and £45,640 awarded for the Barn Cinema in Dartington, based in a 14th century barn.
This brings the number of cinemas supported by the Culture Recovery Fund for Independent Cinemas to 209.
Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive said:
“People have been missing the big screen experience and we know they are looking forward to cinemas being able to reopen from 17 May onwards. The Culture Recovery Fund has been a lifeline to survival for local independent cinemas up and down the country, ensuring that they will be able to welcome their audiences back. In bringing the latest films from blockbusters to British films and new discoveries from around the world as well as screen classics, the local ‘cinema paradiso’ is often the only form of culture and entertainment in their area and are vital to their communities. We need them back and thanks to the fund screens will soon light up once more.“
Thanks to all our supporters
We'd like to extend our thanks to you all for the positivity you extended to our Save the Electric Palace campaign and the cinema in general.
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