Arts Council England has announced that it will continue to fund Bridport Arts Centre until 2026. 

Bridport Arts Centre is one of just 10 organisations in Dorset which will receive a share of more than £5 million a year, ensuring that more people in more places can find fantastic, fulfilling art and culture on their doorsteps.

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. It has set out a strategic vision in 'Let's Create' that by 2030 it wants England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences.

Phil Gibby, South West area director at Arts Council England, said: "We're pleased to offer continued regular investment to Bridport Arts Centre through the Arts Council's 2023-26 National Portfolio programme.

"The much-loved arts centre is at the beating heart of Bridport's arts and culture scene, hosting a fantastic calendar of creative and cultural activities and events for audiences in Dorset. We're excited to see them continue inspiring audiences and supporting local artists in the work they do. 

"This renewed funding helps us to achieve the vision we set out in our strategy Let's Create – so that there are more opportunities to take part in creativity, and be inspired no matter where we live."

Bridport Arts Centre are a multi-arts venue presenting a phenomenal year-round programme of visual arts, theatre, dance, comedy, music, spoken word and film screenings. The Arts Centre brings the arts to Bridport and beyond.

Many of the events are housed in the 19th Century, Grade II listed building in the heart of Bridport, but it also hosts events in the local area. It caters to the whole community, young and old, and has a dedicated, family-friendly programme of events all year round.

Director of Bridport Arts Centre, Mick Smith, said: "I am delighted that we have been successful with our funding bid to Arts Council England.

"This three-year investment will help us improve our visual arts offer and fund a programme manager, provide further development opportunities for underrepresented writers as part of the Bridport Prize, deliver artist and community led public engagement projects linked to the 50th anniversary of the arts centre in 2023, develop arts and health projects linked to social prescribing and continue our year programme of live events at BAC, in other local venues and outdoors, including the annual From Page to Screen film adaptation festival."

In welcoming the announcement, chair of trustees Barry Lovejoy, said: "This news could not have come at a better time. We are about to celebrate our 50th anniversary. This funding provides an excellent start for the next half century to continue and expand our contribution to the cultural and artistic experience of Dorset residents."