A POWYS arts venue has been successful in securing emergency financial support to continue to help it battle back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Brecon’s Theatr Brycheiniog is pleased to announce it has secured funds from the Arts Council of Wales, as part of the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund. Following the news that the Cultural Recovery Fund has been extended to support Wales’ diverse culture sector through the ongoing pandemic, Theatr Brycheiniog will receive a second round of funding.

The Culture Recovery Fund, delivered jointly by the Welsh Government and Arts Council of Wales, was launched last summer, providing £63.3 million in 2020/21 to support theatres, music venues, heritage sites, events, museums, libraries, galleries, independent cinemas and freelancers.

This last 18 months have been a difficult time for the industry as a whole and this funding helps meet the financial shortfall following the loss of virtually all earned income. Essential funding such as this provides a critical lifeline, not only improving the financial security of Theatr Brycheiniog further but enabling the arts organisation to continue operating, retain jobs, cover running costs and support the venue in planning to open with a strong programme of events.

“This funding is essential for the cultural and creative industries to address the long term challenges that have arisen as a result of the pandemic,” said Theatr Brycheiniog director David Wilson.

“We look forward to continuing our recovery from the pandemic and enabling our programming to resume. This funding ensures that we can contemplate the future of an increasingly vibrant, dynamic and inclusive arts venue within the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.”

Theatre Brycheiniog has already reopened, providing its Cultural Cafe, but hopes to make more statements later in 2021 about when indoor live performance can continue.

Live performances returned to the venue earlier this month when Theatr Brycheiniog as one of the Welsh Government’s pilot test event programmes fro reintroducing audiences to various events throughout Wales.

The theatre joined forces with Neath-based production company Theatr na nÓg to present a fun-filled, family friendly show called ‘We Need Bees’, with more than 200 people coming to King George V playing field in the town on June 3 and 4 to enjoy the shows.

Theatr Brycheiniog followed in the footsteps of similar test events, like Cardiff’s Eid at the Castle event held last month, and sporting fixtures including Wales’ pre-Euro 2020 friendly with Albania in Cardiff on June 5.

If the test events programme proves safe and successful it will hopefully lead to larger gatherings at stadiums, theatres and other venues in Wales later this year.

While the situation remains unclear currently, the Brecon-based arts venue continues to plan an exciting line-up of events to welcome back audiences as soon, and as safely as possible.