Hebden Bridge Picture House gets fund to help reopening after lockdown

It is the recipient of £8,500 from the British Film Institute's Film Audience Network Covid-19 Resilience Fund, which has awarded cash from the National Lottery and the Mayor of London’s Culture at Risk Business Support Fund.

The support will help the community arts venue to survive the shutdown due to COVID-19 and be "instrumental" in helping the single screen cinema prepare for reopening after its temporary closure in March.

Grants were awarded to independent venues in critical financial need as they continue to face months of closure and uncertainty.

Coun Dr Carol Stow, chairwoman of the Picture House Committee, said: “The Town Council understands the Picture House is a well-loved gem at the heart of our community.

"In these exceptional times we are determined to do everything we can to ensure its survival.

"Receiving this grant will help us to weather the current difficult times created by the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure we can once again re-open to provide entertainment for the people of Hebden Royd.”

Ben Luxford, head of UK audiences at the 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.”

Hebden Bridge Picture House announced a statement in late June that they will be re-opening in early to mid-autumn.

Rebekah Fozard, manager of the Picture House, said: “We are currently reliant on the financial support of the Government's Job Retention Scheme, which runs until the end of October and is providing assistance to the cinema whilst all staff are furloughed.

"Finally, we want to be able to bring you the best film programme possible, which means waiting for more new cinema releases. For all these reasons, we will be waiting until the autumn before we welcome you once more at the Picture House.”