A popular visitor attraction in Blackwood town centre has received a funding boost from the Arts Council for Wales.
The future of Blackwood Miners Institute has been under consideration over recent months as Caerphilly county borough council explores options for the venue to be run in a different way in the future.
The venue was due to close at the end of March 2025, but last month the council applied for funding from the Arts Council for Wales, which means that Blackwood Miners Institute can remain open for an extended period.
Cllr Sean Morgan, Leader of Caerphilly Council said, “We very much welcome this significant funding announcement, which will allow us to continue to operate the site beyond March 2025. We will now continue to work collaboratively with our independent advisory panel and the Arts Council for Wales to ensure that we can secure the best outcome for this historic cultural venue.”
The special ‘Jobs Protection and Resilience Fund’ grant, totalling £210,000, will allow the venue to remain open at least until the end of March 2026, while the council transitions to a new business model and trustee structure.
“I’m sure the whole community will welcome this positive news, which demonstrates our commitment to exploring all options to secure a bright new future for Blackwood Miners Institute,” added Cllr Morgan.
