Buxton Opera House is to receive £900,000 over the next three years in funding from Arts Council England. 

They were one of the new organisations to become a National Portfolio Organisation and will receive funding of £300,000 a year from 2023-26.  

Buxton International Festival are to continue to receive funding of £122,208 a year to continue to develop the much-loved annual arts event. 

The funding is part of £446 million being given by Arts Council England to 990 organisations to ensure that more people in more places across the country can find and access art and culture on their doorsteps. 

Paul Kerryson, Buxton Opera House CEO, said they were delighted to become a National Portfolio Organisation and to have been granted the funding.  

“This grant is awarded to support our artistic and community work, and to bring high-quality, diverse, and collaborative productions to Buxton. 

“In these tough economic times, this funding is hugely welcomed and will help to sustain the future of Buxton Opera House.  

“This award demonstrates confidence in the artistic and economic impact of Buxton Opera House and its activities.” 

The government funding has been welcomed by High Peak MP Robert Largan and Derbyshire County Council leader Cllr Barry Lewis. 

MP Largan said: “Buxton International Festival and Buxton Opera House are absolutely vital to the town’s economy, helping to create large numbers of jobs in our local tourism and hospitality sectors. But investing in arts and culture isn’t just good for the economy, it’s good for the soul!” 

Councillor Lewis, who is a member of Arts Council England’s Midlands Area Council, commented: “This is a wonderful boost to arts, culture and creativity across Derbyshire and it is very welcome in areas where it is acknowledged that cultural investment and opportunity has previously been too low. It’s all about moving money out into areas other than London and larger cities and creating more opportunities in smaller towns and cities.

“I would hope that this funding will not only support organisations in Derbyshire to continue to do the excellent work they already do but help to attract new audiences of all ages and backgrounds as well as new talent, which is so important if we are to succeed in producing and nurturing exciting art, culture and creativity.”

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