The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Libraries and Cultural Services department has received a major financial boost from the Arts Council of Wales after being awarded more than £100,000 from the Jobs Protection and Resilience Fund.
This money will be used to support the Council’s Art Central Gallery in Barry and Penarth Pier Pavilion by contributing to staffing costs.
It will also help ensure a programme of cultural activities and events can continue and that each venue remains financially stable and able to serve their communities.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “We are truly delighted and thankful to have been awarded this vital funding to support Penarth Pier Pavilion and Art Central Gallery, both of which are true assets to the Vale of Glamorgan. This grant not only alleviates immediate financial pressures but also allows us to develop a range of cultural offerings.
“As we move forward, we are excited to enhance cultural accessibility, sustainability, and opportunities for our communities, with Art Central and Penarth Pier Pavilion at the heart of this work.”
This award represents a significant milestone for Libraries and Cultural Services, marking one of the most substantial funding allocations received in recent years.
It ensures that both venues can continue to provide high-quality cultural experiences to residents and visitors while building resilience for the future.
The Libraries and Cultural Services team at the Council will continue to grow with an exciting programme of events, activities and cultural opportunities being programmed for the year ahead.
This includes a diverse cinema offering set to launch for 2025, including new film releases, classic screenings, and National Theatre Live Encore screenings at Penarth Pier Pavilion.
There will also be a dynamic programme of exhibitions, workshops and creative opportunities at Art Central Gallery.
As both venues look towards the future, a new initiative will open offering opportunities for those who are looking to volunteer within the Arts and Cultural industries.
It will focus on helping them to shape the arts and culture provided at both Art Central Gallery and Penarth Pier Pavilion.
