30 November 2017

Andrew Mitchell MP and Councillor Ewan Mackey met with Peter Knott and Rebecca Blackman of the Arts Council England to discuss investment in the Royal Town and specifically in our Town Hall.

The Arts Council supports museums, libraries, and activities across the arts through substantial funding programmes and expert development advice.

Over the period of 2018-2022, the Arts Council will invest more than £2 billion in institutions across England, £213 million of which will be funding 76 National Portfolio organisations in the West Midlands. Investment will be strategically allocated to better reflect the diversity of contemporary society, offering a wider array of exciting art and culture to local residents.

The Arts Council has invested £181,236 In Royal Sutton Coldfield through the Grants for the Arts programme since 2015, helping support individual artists and “emerging” arts organisations.

Mr Mitchell said: “I am encouraged by the Art’s Council’s success and took the opportunity to discuss measures to secure funding for the restoration and preservation of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall which, in addition to its architectural and historical significance, hosts a variety of art fairs, music concerts and theatre plays and would, therefore, be appropriate for such support.”

Both representatives from the Arts Council were shown around Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall following the meeting with Andrew Mitchell.

Photo: Peter Knott, Andrew Mitchell MP, Rebecca Blackman, and Councillor Ewan Mackey in front of the Town Hall