An arts organisation in Barking has been given a 40 per cent uplift in its funding for the next three years. 

Arts Council England (ACE) has awarded Studio 3 Arts just over £165,000 a year from 2023-26.  

Its average annual funding from 2018-22, ACE said, was just under £118,000 a year.  

Karen West-Whylie, chair of Studio 3 Arts, said: “We are delighted that Studio 3 Arts has been recognised for the contribution it makes to the arts, culture and local community. 

“It is testament to the dedication of all our staff, volunteers and participants that bring our work to life. 

“We are grateful for the increase in funds and being able to realise our future ambitions. 

“Many arts organisations didn’t receive funding, and we’d like to acknowledge support for those who may have not been successful.” 

It is one of 990 organisations around the country to receive National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding, and one of three in Barking and Dagenham.  

The other two were Barking and Dagenham Council and Dedalus Ltd, and their combined funding comes to nearly £400,000 a year.  

That is £50,000 annually for Dedalus, up from £40,000 from 2018-22, and just over £183,000 per year for the local authority, an increase from 180,000 over the previous three years.  

The Arts Council announced the successful bidders on November 4.  

Studio 3 Arts said it was commended for its inclusive programming and for working in an understanding, welcoming way with many different people and communities across Barking and Dagenham.  

It says the extra funding will go towards expanding its flagship programmes such as Big Deal, which offers free dance and drama to young people.  

This comes as Studio 3 Arts gets ready to reopen its Barking venue at Galleon Community Centre in Boundary Road following a £1.8m redevelopment. 

It is a charity which depends on funding from trusts, organisations and individuals, alongside support from key partners such as ACE and Barking and Dagenham Council.  

Find out more about Studio 3 Arts at https://studio3arts.org.uk/ 

View all the organisations to receive NPO funding by visiting www.artscouncil.org.uk