FARNHAM Maltings has been awarded £130,000 by Arts Council England to help the centre's long-term sustainability.

A group of art centres led by Farnham Maltings, including Colchester Arts Centre, Kings Lynn Arts Centre and Quay Arts on the Isle of Wight, are among the 62 successful applicants to Arts Council England's £7m Catalyst Arts scheme.

The group will use the funds to consolidate each organisation's fundraising strategy through a programme of training, mentoring and peer learning. Farnham Maltings hopes to develop effective fundraising methods that have a long-term impact on its business plan.

Gavin Stride, director of Farnham Maltings, said: "This is an important piece of investment into four arts centres based in rural towns."

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.