A popular arts venue in Bridport will continue to benefit from Arts Council England funding for a further three years, it has been announced. 

Bridport Arts Centre on South Street, which is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023, is one of 10 organisations in Dorset that will receive a share of more than £5 million per year to ensure locals can enjoy art and culture on their doorsteps. 

The centre made its bid for funding at the beginning of November and can now celebrate the welcome investment until 2026.

Director of Bridport Arts Centre, Mick Smith, said: "I am delighted that we have been successful with our funding bid to Arts Council England. 

"This three-year investment will help us improve our visual arts offer and fund a programme manager, provide further development opportunities for underrepresented writers as part of the Bridport Prize. 

"It will also deliver artist and community-led public engagement projects linked to the 50th anniversary of the arts centre in 2023, develop arts and health projects linked to social prescribing and continue our year programme of live events at BAC, in other local venues and outdoors, including the annual From Page to Screen film adaptation festival."

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. 

Phil Gibby, South West Area Director at Arts Council England, said he was pleased to continue the investment to the centre, he said: "We’re pleased to offer continued regular investment to Bridport Arts Centre through the Arts Council’s 2023-26 National Portfolio programme.

"The much-loved arts centre is at the beating heart of Bridport’s arts and culture scene, hosting a fantastic calendar of creative and cultural activities and events for audiences in Dorset.

"We’re excited to see them continue inspiring audiences and supporting local artists in the work they do. 

"This renewed funding helps us to achieve the vision we set out in our strategy Let’s Create – so that there are more opportunities to take part in creativity, and be inspired no matter where we live."

Bridport Arts Centre is a multi-arts venue presenting a phenomenal year-round programme of visual arts, theatre, dance, comedy, music, spoken word and film screenings. The Arts Centre brings the arts to Bridport and beyond. 

Many of the events are housed in the 19th century, Grade II listed building in the heart of Bridport, but they also host events in the local area.

They cater to the whole community, young and old, and have a dedicated family-friendly programme of events all year round.