Tatton Park education service has been awarded £180,000 as part of the government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF), administered by Arts Council England.
It is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the UK receiving financial aid, to combat the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The funding will enable the facility to develop educational resources for virtual use in schools, for home educators and families.
The sustainable learning offer receives 24,000 school pupils and 1,000 informal learners per year, attaining the Sandford Award consistently since 1979. Many enrolments come from across Cheshire East and the North West region.
Other successful Cheshire East organisations:
• Circus Starr in Congleton received the largest award of £317,551;
• Crewe Lyceum Theatre has received a total of £231,387;
• Clonter Farm Music Trust, based near Congleton, has received £100,00; and
• Cheshire Rural Touring Arts which operates across Cheshire East and Cheshire West were also successful.
Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "I am pleased that Tatton Park has been successful, with funding to support and continue its award-winning education work, despite the constraints caused by the pandemic.
"The support for organisations in Cheshire East is both welcome and necessary to help through these difficult times for the cultural sector. The Lyceum theatre is a vital part of the economic vitality and cultural life of Crewe and the wider area, being greatly missed during this pandemic. This funding will be essential to the theatre's eventual reopening, enabling audiences to delight once more in what this wonderful theatre has to offer."