The Reader secures Arts Council England NPO funding 2023-2026

The Reader is delighted to have been awarded Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status for the second time.

In an announcement made on Friday 4 November, Arts Council England, the national development agency for creativity and culture, revealed that 990 organisations will receive a share of £446 million (each year) ensuring that more people in more places can find fantastic, fulfilling art and culture on their doorsteps.

Commenting on the award, Founder and Chief Executive of The Reader, Jane Davis said:

"We’re delighted to have retained our much-valued NPO status, maintaining our funding from Arts Council England. It’s hugely welcome – making it possible for us to continue to grow Shared Reading in communities across the UK, at a period when creativity, resilience and cohesion are needed more than ever. In a hard world, literature matters; when things need changing, reading changes lives; and when times are tough, Shared Reading builds the confidence and relationships we all need to get through.

"As members of the National Portfolio we are proud to work alongside many wonderful arts organisations that we know, love and respect, both here in the North West and across the country and we’re looking forward to playing our part in the Let’s Create strategy for years ahead!"

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said:

“Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps. We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”