Culture Secretary, Michelle Donelan MP, has today confirmed to Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, that Queen’s Theatre has secured £1.44m in Arts Council England (ACE)  funding over the next three years. 

The treasured Hornchurch theatre was granted Grade II listed status by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) earlier this year to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and recognise the incredible contribution that the theatre has made to the local arts scene in the region. The ACE grant further secures the local theatre’s future for Havering residents. 

ACE is investing in arts organisations, museums and libraries in every corner of the country and reaching places that, historically, have been underserved. More people in more places than ever before will have access to fantastic, fulfilling art and culture in the villages, towns and cities where they live.

This latest funding round has seen a fairer spread of cultural investment across the country whilst protecting London’s world class cultural ecology, made up of a broad range of organisations and artforms. London will receive over £150 million, around a third of the investment that has been announced today, with funding going to the centre as well as 16 of its outer boroughs.

Speaking about the announcement, Julia said, ‘As a DCMS Minister and local MP, I know how much of a difference a vibrant arts and cultural scene can make to a community. Queen’s Theatre isn’t just a great place to go out but it is a hub for the community, where I have hosted Jobs and Older People’s Fairs and held meetings with constituents. I know many people value the theatre as a place to see friends, join parents’ groups and get time out. The theatre is also a fantastic sponsor of local artists and theatre groups. I am absolutely thrilled that Queen’s has secured this substantial grant, which should allow it to continue its fantastic role and work over the next three years.’