Black Dyke has announced first indications of three innovative projects it will undertake following the award of £76,000 through the government's Culture Recovery Funding directed through Arts Council England (ACE).

The Culture Recovery Fund has been implemented to support arts organisations whose financial viability has been threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sustainable future

The award was made to the Yorkshire regional champion in order that it can pursue plans which serve to ensure a sustainable future and continue to link to local communities as well as international audiences.

4BR has been informed that the use of funds will be specific — enabling the Queensbury band to deliver three planned projects, promoting education, repertoire for smaller groups and community engagement, which will in turn deliver income streams providing financial stability at a time when income from sources such as concert fees is not possible.

The detailed plans, brought together by the trustees of the band, will now be implemented and delivered over the following six months.

Detailed work

Speaking about the news, Black Dyke Music Director, Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "We are delighted that Arts Council England has supported our funding application, which results from a very detailed work prepared by our board of trustees.

We are excited to be able to contemplate the delivery of these imaginative projects, further details of which will become clear in the near future."

The detailed plans, brought together by the trustees of the band, will now be implemented and delivered over the following six months4BR

Potential return

Prof Childs also stated that careful consideration continues on a potential return to rehearsal for the band in line with the full implications of current Coronavirus guidance and legislation, whilst they have been delighted to be able to complete a refurbishment project to its historic Queensbury rehearsal headquarters.