Suffolk Church and Norfolk Prehistoric flint mine boosted by government's £103 million investment
Grime's Graves, in Norfolk, Bury St Edmunds based Art Branches cic and St Mary’s Church, in Bungay, Suffolk, are among 69 recipients across the East of England to receive a share of £103 million Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage
The three have joined 450 heritage organisations in England to be awarded money from the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage
The grants of up to £1 million are aimed at giving a lifeline to the heritage sector in England with further support expected to follow through the Heritage Stimulus Fund.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.
"This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce back post covid.”
This is the first section of funding from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
Grime's Graves, the prehistoric flint mine, in Lynford, has been awarded £11,400 to help it install a new two-stage ladder system, allowing safe, free-flowing visitor access down one of the site's underground shafts. St Mary’s Church, is set to receive £164,678.
Bury St Edmunds based Art Branches cic has received £18,600 which will be spent on strategic development for their work with vulnerable communities across East Anglia.
Art Branches was set up in 2016 to support people’s health and wellbeing through creative projects linked to the environment and supports more than 250 vulnerable adults and children annually.
Director and founder of Art Branches cic, Stephanie Hartick, said: “This funding comes at an essential time to support our organisation as we readjust to the socio-economic climate following covid.
With the recent rise in mental health issues and acknowledgement of the importance of wellbeing we have been exceptionally busy realising our ideas and supporting vulnerable communities across East Anglia. "
Art Branches is currently running ‘Abbey Tales’ in Bury St Edmunds for adults recovering from mental health issues and a series of photographic workshops on the Suffolk Coast and Shotley peninsular which is particularly for men recovering from mental health issues.
