The Point Eastleigh has once again been selected as a prestigious Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).
National Portfolio Organisations are a group of museums, libraries and art organisations selected for funding from ACE, which invests public money for creativity and culture.
The Point first became an ACE NPO in April 2015. The extension of this status now means that the venue will receive £127,000 per annum in funding for the period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2026.
This funding will allow the Eastleigh-based theatre, which is home to world-class residential rehearsal studio the Creation Space, to continue its committed person-centred approach celebrating communities, supporting creatives and connecting over 100,000 people each year to creative experiences that span art-forms and improve lives.
It will also play a central role in helping to deliver ACE’s vision Let’s Create.
The Point Eastleigh is owned and operated by Eastleigh Borough Council.
Eastleigh Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Councillor Tonia Craig said: “It is excellent that The Point has again been recognised for this significant award, which continues to reflect its status as an important arts centre in the region. This funding will help to ensure that art and cultural experiences continue to be provided to all our communities.”
Charlotte Hall, Creative Director of The Point Eastleigh, said: “We’re overwhelmed to receive the news that we will remain in the Arts Council’s National Portfolio, it means a huge amount to our teams that we can continue our work with communities and creatives to creatively ignite Eastleigh.”
Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps.
"We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”
