A multi-million pound funding package to support dozens of arts groups across Kent has been awarded by the government.

Theatres, galleries, performance groups and arts organisations throughout the county will receive a share of a £5 million kitty.

The funding provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will help support the arts and culture sector emerge from the pandemic .

The 46 groups in Kent include Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (CHDT), POW Thanet and Chiddingstone Castle.

It is the second round of funding announced by the government as part of its £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.

The pot awarded to Kent-based organisations is worth £4,977,388.

Culture scretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced.

"Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead."

Funny Women, a comedy community run by women in Medway, will be awarded £40,000.

The workshops, conferences and stand-up events it runs to aim to give women a voice through performance, writing and humour in business and every day life.

Funding will help provide programming, fundraising support, streaming and provide PPE equipment.

Lynne Parker, founder and chief executive of Funny Women CIC, said: “Once again, I am delighted, and relieved, that comedy at grass roots level is being recognised and I don't think any of us would have got through the last year without a sense of humour.

"Culture is always a reflection of today's society and live comedy is a significant part of our creative output in all its forms, from small clubs to big theatres. We will fill them again.

"The work we do at Funny Women is a significant and vital part of today's cultural landscape.

"This funding makes the world of difference to my team and the hundreds of women in our community who have looked to us for guidance and inspiration during successive lockdowns.

"We've not stopped producing comedy and as we launch the 2021 Funny Women Awards, the support we are receiving from DCMS ensures that we can continue to provide inclusive, diverse and accessible outreach programmes and much needed entertainment."

CHDT is the charity responsible for overseeing the Chatham Historic Dockyard, which is the world's most complete dockyard from the age of sail. It comprises of 80 acres and 47 scheduled ancient monuments.

The trust will receive £384,144 to support investment in developing its online resources for schools and other educational tools. It will also support care for its collections, visitor operations and community engagement work.

Chief executive Richard Morsley said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly grateful for the support given to the Historic Dockyard Chatham. We are rightly proud of our contribution as an independent heritage organisation in terms of our social, cultural and economic impact.

“The challenges faced as a result of the pandemic have been profound and this vital funding helps protect the Historic Dockyard Chatham as an important cultural asset, and more importantly, supports our financial resilience enabling us to thrive and grow in the long term.

“This funding is crucial in enabling us to continue to tell the story of the Royal Navy’s 400-year connection with Chatham and the Medway Towns, helping us to drive our tourism economy and post-Covid recovery.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the site as soon as government guidelines allow, and to delivering a brilliant and engaging visitor experience.”

The £25,070 grant to POW! Thanet – one of the UK's only women's arts organisations – will strengthen its abilities to explore issues around feminism, women and girls with projects throughout the year on top of an annual festival.

The money will allow the group to continue its artistic and community outreach activities and research and plan for future years and provide office space and workshops.

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director at Arts Council England said: “Thanks to the fund, we can offer extra support to the arts and cultural sector in the South East.

"From youth ballet to opera, theatre to grassroots music, the South East is brimming with cultural organisations that enrich the lives of local communities.

"This funding will make a real difference to these organisations as they get ready to welcome audiences and visitors again.”

A full list of grants awarded during the latest round of funding by Kent council area is:

Ashford

Enchanted Entertainment LTD - £62,500

John Lawsons Circus ltd - £73,874

SGM LIGHT UK LTD - £271,774

Canterbury

CSP in the Park - £35,849

Horsebridge Arts Centre - £25,305

Jones Nightclubs - £453,563

Manhattan Events - £30,000

Dover

Evolution Productions - £134,398

Future Foundry - £25,000

Folkestone and Hythe

FHODS (Folkestone and Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society) - £55,000

Sally Hogarth Ltd - £25,000

Screen South - £87,678

Strange Cargo - £51,335

The Chambers - £109,629

Gravesham

NOCTURNAL TOURING & ROOTED PRODUCTIONS - £143,624

Maidstone

Maidstone Borough Council - £34,373

Visual Elements LTD - £566,472

Medway

BOB KING CREATIVE LIMITED - £204,177

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust - £384,144

Dizzy O'Dare - £25,000

Funny Women - £40,000

LV21 Ltd - £25,000

Sevenoaks

Chiddingstone Castle - £25,102

The Lost Estate Ltd - £53,674

The Stag Community Arts Centre - £211,908

Swale

Acrojou - £63,824

F1 Sound Company Limited - £200,000

RouteStock CIC - £49,126

Urban Soul Orchestra Ltd - £43,576

Thanet

1927 - £95,100

Broadstairs Folk Week - £59,420

Elsewhere Records Ltd - £27,442

Faith In Strangers - £53,500

Margate Arts Club - £29,787

POW! Thanet - £25,070

Resort Studios - £53,516

SPACER - £35,000

The Margate School Ltd - £67,500

Video Illusions Ltd - £233,176

Westcoast Kent Community Interest Company - £34,527

Tonbridge and Malling

Mojo Rental UK Ltd - £149,176

Moomba Productions - £54,000

MUSIC@MALLING - £28,199

Reece Tee - £139,720

Tunbridge Wells

Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre - £109,850

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council - £271,500

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