A grant of more than £71,000 from the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund will allow Hastings International Piano to continue to make ‘a major cultural impact’.

That’s according to Managing Director Ian Roberts who says: “We are delighted that Hastings International Piano (HIP) has been awarded a significant grant from the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund helping us to continue making a major cultural impact in our beloved town of Hastings and throughout the south coast region.” 

HIP is the charity responsible for the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition and the Hastings International Piano Festival.

The Cultural Recovery Fund was set up to help cultural organisations such as HIP deal with the many difficulties and financial implications the pandemic has caused during the past year and with this much needed award, HIP will be able to continue to plan the next edition of its concerto competition, re-scheduled to take place in February and March of 2022 and its extensive music education programme. 

“The pandemic has affected all cultural organisations across the country, with our much-anticipated piano concerto competition being rescheduled and our fundraising concerts not able to take place,” says Mr Roberts.

“Receiving the news that HIP is being supported by the UK Government with this award is just what we had hoped for, and I want to say how grateful I am that our organisation… has been recognised with this award. 

“We are determined to continue to produce our much-needed programme of learning and engagement and our world-class audience experiences in the town and I am grateful to my team, our trustees and our many friends and patrons who have continued to loyally support us during the pandemic. HIP is also extremely grateful to Arts Council England, DCMS, Kowitz Family Foundation, Sally-Ann Hart MP and Hastings Borough Council for their ongoing support of our organisation”.

HIP will present a new programme of concerts and educational events throughout 2021 and the next edition of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition will take place in 2022. Hastings International Piano Festival will return in 2023. 

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