Major funding boost for performing arts theatre in West Sussex

Ropetackle Arts Centre, in Little High Street, will be able to upgrade its venue – thanks to a grant of £371,000 from Arts Council England.

It will support a ‘significant programme of improvements and refurbishment’ across the venue.

The funding application was submitted in partnership with Adur & Worthing Councils, with the council named as the official recipient in the Arts Council’s announcement – but the funding is ‘designated solely for Ropetackle’.

Chairman Martin Allen said: “Having just celebrated our 18th anniversary, the extensive improvements we have planned will pave the way for the next era of our rewarding and successful journey. I would like to thank the council for working closely with us in the partnership bid.”

The Arts Council grant will be complemented by additional funding allocated by Ropetackle, bringing the total project value to over £500,000.

A spokesperson said: “This investment will enable a comprehensive upgrade of the auditorium, including increased capacity, alongside a full modernisation of the foyer, box office and Rose Petal Café. The plans also include the creation of additional office space for staff.

“These developments will ensure that Ropetackle can continue to enhance its facilities, support artists, and provide an experience for audiences and the wider community for years to come.”

The government funding, of £371,278, was part of a wider £12.6 million package across the South East. It comes from the Creative Foundations Fund, aimed at improving cultural venues and making them more accessible to the public.

It forms part of the wider Arts Everywhere Fund, a £1.5 billion national programme designed to support cultural infrastructure, protect venues and expand access to arts and heritage.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the South East are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.

"Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit fourteen culture venues, museums, and library services across the South East.

“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the South East.”

Across the South East, fourteen venues, museums and library services will share the latest round of investment. The Creative Foundations Fund alone is distributing £5.4 million to arts organisations in the region to support building improvements, upgrades and accessibility work.

Hazel Edwards, South East area director, Arts Council England, said: "We are proud to support this new wave of investment through the Museum Estate and Development Fund, the Libraries Improvement Fund, and the Creative Foundations Fund.

“These programmes are strengthening the cultural infrastructure that communities rely on every day, from vibrant local libraries and much‑loved museums to the creative organisations that bring imagination and innovation to our towns and cities.

“This funding will help safeguard historic buildings, modernise essential public spaces, and ensure that cultural organisations can continue to thrive, adapt, and inspire.

“By investing in the foundations of our cultural lives, we are helping to secure a more sustainable, more accessible, and more creative future for people across the South East and beyond.”

Elsewhere in the region, Brighton Dome & Festival Limited has been awarded £468,701 to upgrade its 1,800-seat concert hall. Plans include improvements to lighting and sound systems, IT infrastructure and assisted listening technology, as well as better ventilation to enhance accessibility and environmental performance.

Meanwhile, Surrey Libraries will receive £50,000 through the Libraries Improvement Fund. The money will be used to create enhanced work and relaxation spaces across nine libraries.

The funding package also includes investment for museums, with projects such as the Brickworks Museum receiving support for urgent repairs, helping preserve historic buildings and improve visitor access.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the investment would help ensure cultural spaces remain ‘welcoming and affordable’, as the cost of living continues to impact communities.

Further rounds of funding are expected to open for applications in the coming months.