We are delighted to report that our Barn Cinema is receiving emergency funding to help us survive the ongoing venue shutdown due to COVID-19, thanks to National Lottery funding through the BFI Audience Network (FAN) COVID-19 Resilience Fund.
£1.3m National Lottery funding, plus a £150,000 contribution from the Mayor of London’s Culture at Risk Business Support Fund, has been made available to provide grants to those in critical financial need as they continue to face months of closure and uncertainty. BFI FAN – a unique collaboration of eight Film Hubs managed by leading film organisations across the UK – targeted the fund to help small and medium sized audience-facing organisations with a particular focus on venue-based exhibitors.
Our director of arts, Amy Bere, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from BFI FAN in support of the Barn Cinema in these very challenging times, and for the ongoing help and advice we receive from the South West BFI Film Hub.
“During this extended period of closure, we will continue explore ways to stay connected with our loyal audiences, and are looking forward to a time that we can safely welcome people back to experience film at Dartington.”
Ben Luxford, Head of UK Audiences, BFI, said: “Redirecting National Lottery and Mayor of London funding to make emergency grants to our independent exhibitors has proved to be a lifeline, enabling our fantastic venues, cinemas and festivals across the UK to remain in business in the immediate term. However, it is clear that these vital and unique organisations, which are crucial to the rich cultural fabric of their local communities, are still in crisis.
“When allowed to reopen, safely implementing social distancing guidance will not only be logistically impossible for some, but many are also unlikely to cover their costs when operating at reduced capacity. Losing these exhibitors would be a huge cultural loss for UK audiences, so I am pleased FAN has been able to help them keep the lights on while we all face the oncoming challenges.”
The Fund has supported 130 FAN Members across the UK with awards ranging from £415 to £23,000 each.
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Hi, any chance when accommodation will eventually be available Please?
Hi Ann. Do you mean the hotel? The campsite is taking bookings from 4 July. Thanks!
Please keep me informed if any Barn Cinema opening progress. Thank you.
Hi Fiona, we will do!