THE Anvil Trust has won Arts Council England investment for another three years.

The Trust, the independent educational charity that runs The Anvil, The Haymarket and The Forge in Basingstoke, is included in the list of National Portfolio Organisations published by ACE today, one of only six music organisations in the region to achieve this status. 

The award is worth almost £140,000 a year for the three years 2015 to 2018.

“This is great news for Basingstoke” said Christine Bradwell, chief executive of Anvil Arts. 

“Thanks to this Arts Council investment and our own fundraising, The Anvil Trust can continue to provide a world class music programme. 

"By making this award, Arts Council England has committed to working in partnership with our other valued public investors Basingstoke and Deane and Hampshire County Council.

“It’s also a national vote of confidence in Basingstoke and in The Anvil Trust. There are very few music organisations in the whole region that have secured this level of investment for the next three years. The Trust will be able to use this award to continue to enhance the image and reputation of Basingstoke through its programme.”

With the additional money that orchestras and touring companies are able to bring for their performances, the total amount of investment coming into the Borough because of the success of the Trust’s application should be around £3 million.

Having NPO status also unlocks access for the Trust to other Arts Council and charitable funding.