Three huge projects to improve cultural attractions in Kent have been given a share of more than £800,000 in government funding.

The Turner Contemporary in Margate, the Tunbridge Wells Cultural and Learning Hub and the Jasmin Vardimon Company in Ashford have all been awarded significant funds from Arts Council England (ACE).

Kent County Council has received £264,514 on behalf of Turner Contemporary.

The money will go towards helping the gallery complete transformation plans to improve the experience for visitors.

Victoria Pomery, Turner Contemporary director, said: “We are delighted that Arts Council England is providing additional financial support for Kent County Council’s capital improvements to Turner Contemporary through the Capital Kickstart Fund.

"These works will support the gallery’s future, as well as recognizing the vital role of arts and creativity here in Kent.

"As we approach our 10th anniversary year in 2021, we look forward to reopening and welcoming audiences to our enhanced spaces.”

A total of £291,638 has been granted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for the town's Cultural and Learning Hub, a large development bringing together a museum, gallery, adult education and library on one site.

The funding will support the creation of arts spaces in the new hub.

Cllr Jane March, deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture, leisure and economic development at Tunbridge Wells council, said: “This much welcomed capital grant from ACE will help us complete the construction of the Amelia Scott cultural and learning hub at a time when the impact of the pandemic has made it even more important to provide this new facility for business, individuals and communities in the borough of Tunbridge Wells.”

Cllr Michael Hill, cabinet member for community and regulatory services at KCC, said: “We are delighted that Arts Council England have recognised the value of the Amelia project with this generous capital grant.

"We look forward to the completion of this important partnership project which will add much to the cultural offer in Tunbridge Wells.”

The Jasmin Vardimon Company, a leading player in the British dance theatre scene, has received £253,389.

It will be used to support the completion of the Jasmin Vardimon Creative Laboratory, a centre of creative excellence with rehearsal, presentation, wellbeing and incubator spaces.

Ian Ross, the company's executive director, said: “We are grateful for this additional support to ensure the smooth transition into our new building, which is scheduled to open in spring 2022.

"Our new home will provide not only a high-quality creative base for our own internationally important work but also enable us to expand our connection with the local community and support emerging talent."

The funding was announced today by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England.

“Today we’re extending a huge helping hand to the crown jewels of UK culture - so that they can continue to inspire future generations all around the world.”

It comes from a £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which has seen £58.9million awarded through its Capital Kickstart grants programme.

The grants are designed to help cultural organisations cover extra costs caused by Covid-related delays or fundraising shortfalls, to capital projects, including building works, refurbishments and large-scale equipment purchases.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This government promised it would be here for culture and today’s announcement is proof we’ve kept our word.

“The £1 billion invested so far through the Culture Recovery Fund has protected tens of thousands of jobs at cultural organisations across the UK, with more support still to come through a second round of applications.

“Today we’re extending a huge helping hand to the crown jewels of UK culture - so that they can continue to inspire future generations all around the world.”

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