Hoxton Hall will receive £120,000 from the first round of the £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund to help support the venue through the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown, and to secure its survival until the spring.
“This investment will enable us to stage some test events next year, welcoming audiences back for the first time since March”, said Karena Johnson, Artistic Director and CEO of Hoxton Hall.
She added, “We’re not completely out of the woods, but this funding is a great vote of confidence for this small but culturally significant organisation.”
Established in 1863, the venue has been home to an eclectic range of theatre, music, comedy performances in the East End for over 150 years. Ms Johnson described it as a “hidden gem”.
The Grade II listed theatre has survived through other times of national emergency in its long history – two world wars and an outbreak of typhoid to name but a few.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This is more vital funding to protect cultural gems across the country, save jobs and prepare the arts to bounce back.”
The Victorian theatre hopes to continue offering a space for 21st century stories from the voices of artists, both established and young.
Image : “Hoxton Hall” by Anders Hanson is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
