'Jobs will be safeguarded' thanks to government arts funding

Rotherham's museums, venues and heritage sites, like those across the country, had to close their doors to visitors earlier this year as the country went into lockdown.

Many venues in the UK have warned they may be forced to close their doors for good if they cannot reopen soon.

Although further details have yet to be announced, the funding is expected to be distributed in the form of £880m in grants and £270m in repayable loans.

In Rotherham, the council says its heritage sites 'play an important part' in telling the story of the borough, and if the investment came to Rotherham, would help 'safeguard jobs'.

Polly Hamilton, Rotherham Council’s assistant director of culture, sport and leisure, said: “Across Rotherham there are many fascinating heritage sites from Clifton Park Museum and Boston Castle to curiosities like Keppel’s Column and the Chapel on the Bridge, which all play an important part in telling the story of the borough. They enable people to appreciate their local history and be proud of where they live.

“Combined with Wentworth Woodhouse, Roche Abbey and Magna, Rotherham’s collective heritage sites support the visitor economy, attracting people from across Yorkshire and further afield.

"The investment from the Government would mean that jobs would be safeguarded across the sector and would enable the heritage industry to play a vital role in the social and economic recovery of our borough and the Sheffield City Region.”

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