The SS Great Britain Trust is extremely grateful for the crucial funding from the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund, which will help the charitable Trust to survive over the winter.
The current pandemic has had a devastating impact on the charity’s financial position. This funding provides the Trust with greater stability to continue offering an incredible visitor experience through the autumn and winter. We have been humbled by reviews heralding Brunel’s SS Great Britain as the safest family day out and this will continue – – we are open every day during October half term, with a new family trail added, making a visit a great day out.
The funding will enable the Trust to continue vital conservation work, deliver our inspiring education and community programmes that we know make such a huge difference. We are privileged to look after a unique part of our national heritage, one of the most important and innovative ships ever built and nationally important collections. This comes at a significant cost, and this funding, and the support from our members of the public has never been needed more. We sincerely thank you.
Speaking today, the SS Great Britain Trust’s Chief Executive, Dr Matthew Tanner MBE, said:
This funding is essential for the continued survival of all the work the Trust does in preserving Brunel’s great ship and legacy for the nation. It is a real lifeline, and means we can continue through the winter and offer great visitor experiences and education programmes, despite a huge shortfall in normal revenue.
It is imperative to continue our education and visitor programmes that are proven to inspire more people into careers in engineering and technology – sectors that contribute innovation and economic growth for the country. This funding – along with the incredible support and recent visitor reviews from the public – is really important for the nation as we nurture the cultural visitor economy, and continue to shape a robust, diverse and optimistic future.
About the Culture Recovery Fund:
SS Great Britain Trust has been awarded £888,186 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced today. SS Great Britain Trust is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.
