Grants totalling more than £40,000 will enable the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth to streamline and improve its sound production system for a wide range of performances.
The centre is celebrating a successful application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which includes the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and is managed by Cumberland Council, for £39,129.
The grant will be used to buy and install new equipment including speakers, amplifiers, audio mixer and radio mics at the centre’s recently refurbished auditorium.
And, in a further boost to the centre’s capabilities, broadband provider Fibrus Broadband has agreed to donate £1,928 to the Kirkgate, which will enable it to buy a MacBook Pro, to further boost the quality of the backstage set-up.
Kirkgate Chief Executive Emma Heys said: “We’re extremely grateful to the Government, Cumberland Council and Fibrus Broadband for their very generous support.
“The UKSPF/REPF funding will be used to purchase new amplifiers for our cinema sound system, to streamline the audio equipment with a more integrated set up for switching between live event and cinematic sound.
“We’re also purchasing a subwoofer to use for both cinema and live event sound. This will work in conjunction with existing kit to enable us to programme a wider range of music styles without needing to hire in additional equipment.
“We will also be replacing our analogue sound mixer with an industry standard digital sound desk, increasing the number of channels available to our sound engineers.
“This desk will be used in conjunction with the MacBook Pro, generously funded by Fibrus Broadband, for theatre shows and productions needing backing tracks or soundscapes.
“The investment will bring our cinema and live sound capabilities up to date with the current industry standards, as time has taken its toll on our ageing cinema sound equipment!
“The move to digital will broaden the range of events we can facilitate at the centre as well as give us an opportunity to offer training in modern performance tech, and hopefully encourage more volunteers to get involved so we’re very thankful for the support.”
Full information on all Kirkgate Centre activities can be found here: Events Archive – Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Alternatively, the box office can be contacted on 01900 829966.
ENDS …..
NOTES TO EDITORS
1, The Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
2, Kirkgate is a charity based in Cockermouth, Cumbria. It operates an arts and heritage centre as well as working with towns and villages in West Cumbria to encourage a diverse programme of arts, culture and entertainment. Its vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported with opportunities for all to engage actively with, and enjoy, the arts, local heritage and community life.
3, The Kirkgate Centre brings the best cultural, theatrical and entertainment events to Cumbria. From the best feature and documentary films to live streaming of top London shows, to local talent, heritage exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy and more, there is something for everyone.
In the historic Kirkgate Quarter of the Gem Town of Cockermouth, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park, the Kirkgate Centre is the perfect venue for special occasions, conferences, meetings, courses, exhibitions or private film screenings.
4, Kirkgate manages Arts Out West which stages performances in community venues from Furness to the Solway, ranging from nationally-recognised theatre companies to international musicians with events that are as much a social occasion as a performance. It is a member of the National Rural Touring Forum supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Follow @kirkgatearts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966 enquiries@thekirkgate.com www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ