BFI saves Clevedon Curzon Cinema from Closure

Wednesday June 30, 2021

Clevedon’s Curzon Cinema is one of the town’s most iconic historical attractions. In recent months, however, it has been struggling to cope with Covid-related restrictions. A grant from the British Film Institute may be the lifeline it needs to keep operating until the pandemic is over and normal service can be resumed.

The Curzon Cinema

Situated on the Old Church road which runs all the way through central Clevedon, the Curzon Cinema opened on 20th April 1912, when it was known as The Picture House. It was just a few days after the sinking of the Titanic and the first showing was a fundraising matinee to support the Lord Mayor of London’s Appeal for survivors and families. It cost 3d, 6d and 1/- to enter.

Since then the building has been Grade II listed to reflect its historical importance. In 1996 it looked to be threatened with closure, but the local community stepped up with the help of the town and county council to save it. Today it is run as a registered charity. Major restoration works in 2010 were carried out with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund to help refurbish parts of the building that had been inaccessible for decades. People who once visited the Curzon as children now bring their own grandchildren to the venue, showing the importance of its place in the community.

Impact of the pandemic

Cinemas around the country have been hit by restrictions related to Covid-19. They have had to close, or operate with reduced capacity. Many studios have delayed the launch of their major films until they can guarantee an audience, or instead turned to online streaming, meaning there are fewer new films to go and see. The Curzon has lost two-thirds of its usual intake. In December, North Somerset entered tier three restrictions and the Curzon was forced to close its doors. Before it received the grant, it was doubtful whether it would ever be able to reopen.

Financial support

A £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund was announced by the government. The British Film Institute directed £30 million to around 200 independent cinemas, including those of cultural and historical significance. Among these venues is the Curzon, which received £83,342 from the Culture Recovery Fund as well as £9847 safety grant, also from the BFI. The money is allowing the cinema to plan showings of new films and launching new events starting in the spring of 2021.

Susannah Shaw expressed her joy as CEO of the Curzon. “It has been deeply reassuring to know our costs to welcome back audiences to a safe and well-planned experience at the Curzon have been met by the BFI. The money we received will pay for our covid safety measures and will help us to extend our audience as the cinema will be harder to access now. A lot of people are losing heart so it’s important we keep people engaged with the cinema in some way.”

Similar sentiments were voiced by Hilary Neal as chairman of trustees at the Curzon. She said “We have been relieved and delighted to receive support from the cultural recovery fund. This has been an essential lifeline to enable the Curzon to welcome audiences back safely and to present an exciting programme of events in the coming months. We are immensely grateful for this grant and relieved that we can continue to plan ahead for a better 2021.”

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