• All nine National Partnership of Arts Centres members receive stand still funding
• 178 Combined Arts Organisations are part of the National Portfolio

In line with 75% of National Portfolio Organisations, the nine National Partnership of Arts Centres members (ARC Stockton, artsdepot, Brewery Arts Centre, the Albany, Cambridge Junction, Lincoln Drill Hall, mac birmingham, Rich Mix, Stratford Circus), have each received stand still Arts Council England funding for the 2015-18 period, as part of this morning’s funding announcement.

The decision was part of a broadly positive picture for combined arts organisations across the country, with 178 included in the National Portfolio. Two of the UK’s largest arts centres, the Barbican Centre and the Southbank Centre, received a cut to their funding.

 ‘The National Partnership of Arts Centres is pleased by the recognition arts centres across the country have received as part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio. The majority of arts centres deliver an exceptional return on investment of public subsidy, offering outstanding artistic experiences for all, whilst operating as robust social enterprises with dynamic business models. Arts centres demonstrate cultural and social leadership through talent development and by engaging audiences from all sections of society. We are delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the enormous role arts centres play in their local communities.”  

Clare Connor (Director, Stratford Circus), and Gavin Barlow (CEO, the Albany), NPAC Co-Chairs

The National Partnership of Arts Centres (NPAC) is an affiliation of nine leading UK arts centres (ARC Stockton, artsdepot, Brewery Arts Centre, the Albany, Cambridge Junction, Lincoln Drill Hall, mac birmingham, Rich Mix, Stratford Circus), formed in 2013 to address the issues affecting arts centres. NPAC leads the Future Arts Centres network of over 100 arts centres across the UK.

For further information and to arrange interviews:

amber@thealbany.org.uk | 0208 692 4513 | 07782 222663 | @ambermb