Delight as West Side Cinema Stromness Secures Funding

By theorkneynews on July 2, 2020 • ( Leave a comment )

West Side Cinema in Stromness is among 24 projects from Orkney to Galashiels, to have received support from The National Lottery through Screen Scotland’s Cinema Equipment Fund towards the purchase of new equipment to host accessible community cinema across Scotland.

In line with the Scottish Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, all 24 projects can now begin plans to get up and running and welcoming audiences, as soon as they’re able, from Wednesday 15 July.

West Side Cinema are upgrading their film projection and sound equipment to support a year-round programme of film screenings from around the world and popular themed events.

Mark Jenkins, Chair of West Side Cinema said:

“We’re absolutely delighted with the award for new equipment, a big thank you to Screen Scotland.

“In particular, the upgrade to our sound system will mean dolby stereo sound for the first time in Stromness, which will result in a much better experience for our audience.

“We’re really looking forward to when we can reopen our doors, welcome our loyal audience back and continue the West Side journey.”

Photo credit Bell

Screen Scotland’s Jennifer Armitage said:

“This round of awards concludes the year-long programme of capital investment in cultural and community cinemas in Scotland.

“When we launched the Cinema Equipment Fund last year, we had no idea what 2020 was going to bring but investing in the resilience of Scotland’s film exhibition sector is more important than ever.

“When Scotland’s cinemas reopen, they will be able to offer high quality experiences, with varied programmes, and within local communities.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“Cinema is a way of bringing people together, sharing our communities’ experience with others and increasing public understanding on a wide range of social issues and historical events.

“Now more than ever, it is important we support cultural organisations in communities across the country. This round of the Cinema Equipment Fund shows how we support and strengthen cinema throughout Scotland with new high-quality equipment.”