Coliseum is set for £100k funding boost

From left, Matt Johnson (Greater Sport deputy CEO), Councillor Alex Ganotis (GMCA lead member for arts, culture and leisure) and Louise Entwistle (Greater Sport Sports Development

OLDHAM Coliseum will receive a funding boost of over £100,000 to help support performances and continue its educational activities thanks to a grant donation.

The theatre is one of several arts and community groups in Greater Manchester who are set to receive a share of over £3 million of funding this year following a decision made by the city-region's leaders.

It is the third year in which Greater Manchester's local authorities have provided grant money for local groups in this way, with vital funding going towards organisations across Greater Manchester.

Councillor Alex Ganotis, Greater Manchester Lead for Culture, Arts and Leisure, said: "This is great news for Greater Manchester and testament to the benefits of working together across our region.

"This funding will help these organisations give people the skills they need to get back to work, improve young people's confidence through sport and performance, support older people, widen cultural participation and help support our world-leading cultural institutions.

"Even in the face of tightened budgets, we recognise the role that these organisations play in improving the social and economic prospects of our communities, so I'm delighted that Greater Manchester has been able to support them in this way."

Other recipients of the grants include the Water Adventure Centre in Droylsden, which helps build young people's confidence through water sports, and The Proud Trust, which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people in Greater Manchester and the North West of England.

GreaterSport, the Greater Manchester Sports Partnership will also benefit from a grant, helping it to reach its goal of a million people in Greater Manchester participating in regular activity by 2017.

Yvonne Harrison, GreaterSport CEO said: "This investment into GreaterSport has been central to the charity's stability and our ability to lever additional national funding into Greater Manchester.

"The money helps GreaterSport to provide a core service to the districts of Greater Manchester in supporting them to change lives through physical activity and sport."

World-class cultural institutions set to benefit include Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, the Hallé Concert Society, Bolton's Octagon Theatre and The Lowry, which will use the funding to broaden participation and apply for further funding from national bodies.