COUNCIL bosses have welcomed funding of nearly £12million for the arts in East Sussex.

Arts Council England has announced an £11.8million investment over four years for projects across the county.

The money will be used to support local schools to visit and enjoy live opera and to promote visual arts and performing arts from 2018 to 2022.

“This is wonderful news and welcome recognition of the efforts of all the partners who work together to promote the arts across the county,” said Councillor Rupert Simmons, the county council’s lead member for economy.

“The funding will help to promote East Sussex as a thriving county with great places to visit and enjoy and enrich the lives of residents and visitors.”

In East Sussex, the funding will be shared among seven venues and projects;

• Glyndebourne will receive £6.5million to support its outreach and education work including helping to support local schools to visit and enjoy live opera

• De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill (pictured) will receive £2.03million to promote its visual arts programmes

• Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne will receive £1.4million to promote visual arts programmes and events

• Hastings-based Project Art Works will receive nearly £600,000 to support visual art activity generated by people with complex impairments

• Jerwood Gallery in Hastings will receive £400,000 to promote visual arts programmes

• Home Live Art, based in Hastings, will receive £300,000 to continue its work in promoting live art

• ‘Applause’ Rural Touring, which helps local people to bring professional shows to community venues, will receive £580,000

“As well as enhancing the lives of local residents, a thriving cultural sector brings visitors to our town and villages, creates jobs and boosts the local economy,” Cllr Simmons added.

“The funding supports our cultural strategy which aims to improve access to the arts for our residents and help the local economy by making East Sussex a popular destination for visitors.”