CORNWALL'S leading arts venue has been awarded half a million pounds by a philanthropical foundation.
Hall for Cornwall has received the £500,000 award from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to reach parts of the community that do not currently attend performances.
Julien Boast, director of Hall for Cornwall, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the region. We are so pleased that The Paul Hamlyn Foundation has recognised Hall for Cornwall as a place for the people of Cornwall.
"With this award we will be talking directly to communities that at present find it difficult, for whatever reasons, to be able to access our work and putting in place the means to truly open the reach of our productions."
The award will be made over a five-year period. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation has made four other grants across the UK to a total of £2.5 million.
Paul Masters, interim chief executive at Cornwall Council, said the award would allow Cornwall to continue its important role in the arts.
He said: "Arts and cultural activities bring people together and strengthen communities and it is important everyone can experience and take part, whatever their social or economic background.
"Cornwall already has a reputation for having a healthy appreciation of the arts and has nurtured some of the most outstanding talent this country has seen."
Régis Cochefert, head of arts at Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said: "We want to see more people attending shows or concerts on a regular basis, but we recognise how hard it can be for venues to reach some parts of the community.
"We are delighted to mark our 25th anniversary with these awards and look forward to seeing the programmes take shape."
