Battersea Arts Centre is set to receive a Government grant which will keep the venue afloat in hard times facing the performance industry.

Wandsworth’s creative hub was awarded £892,000 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund on Tuesday (Oct 14) – set aside for theatres, art galleries, performance groups and venues affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The BAC’s financial boost could bring performances back to life, protect jobs in the arts industry, create opportunities for freelancers and help venues plan for reopening.

Tuesday’s announcement was applauded by Cllr Ravi Govindia, who called it “a hugely welcome and vital lifeline for a true cultural icon”.

He added: “This funding will play a crucial role in helping BAC overcome the difficulties caused by the pandemic. It will help them stay afloat until life returns to normality and they are able reopen their doors.

“We are truly blessed in Wandsworth in having such a world class creative arts and cultural institution in the heart of our borough. Supporting our local arts and culture sector is a key priority for the council.”

In a further show of support for BAC, the council has expressed willingness to extend the current “peppercorn rent” lease arrangement on the arts centre’s home at Battersea Old Town Hall.

Tarek Iskander BAC’s Artistic Director & CEO said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this vital support from the Treasury and DCMS. It is absolutely critical to our long-term survival and will allow us to look forward with confidence.

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England added: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This is a difficult time for us all, but this first round of funding from the Culture Recovery Fund will help sustain hundreds of cultural spaces and organisations that are loved and admired by local communities and international audiences.”