58 venues in the region have benefited from the Culture Recovery Fund, including Northern Stage - an independent theatre and charity located on Newcastle University’s campus.
Over £10 million was handed out to the first recipients of the fund on Monday 12 October, which will be key to keeping many of the venues open and able to potentially reopen next year.
Music sub-editor from The Courier, Joe Smith said: ‘Giving money to venues means they don’t have to worry about losing customers who don’t want to come in during the pandemic.
‘It means they can keep their doors open and last that little bit longer til gigs can properly take place again.’
Northern Stage has been awarded £400 000 and has made a number of commitments about what they are going to do with the money.
The theatre has committed to expanding their digital offerings, modifying their box office, creating a Covid-secure backstage area and installing a new café bar.
Despite the commitment made to venues in the North East, there is a considerable disparity when comparing the region to the rest of the UK.
The North East received the least amount of funding and number of awards of any area in the UK. However, there may be more venues in the region to receive funding soon, as the next round of recipients is set to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Joe Smith added: ‘I think the government is very biased against the north and probably didn’t research just how big and important the gigging scene is up here.’
The Cluny, an independent music venue located in Ouseburn received £67 000 from the fund. The money will cover the running costs for the venue and allow them to reopen next year.
The venue is set to begin hosting shows again in November at Cluny 22, with the main venue hosting its first event in December.
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