Watermans has been awarded a £144,669 lifeline from the government's £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).

The cash is to help cultural organisations face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Watermans is one of 1,385 cultural and creative centres across the country to receive £257 million of investment as part of the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

The centre features a theatre, gallery, cinema and creative workshops and courses.

Jan Lennox, director of Watermans said: "This was such fantastic news to receive. It is recognition of the incredibly hard work our team has put in to respond to the pandemic creatively in order to keep serving our communities - launching digital programmes, reopening at the earliest possible opportunity and constantly innovating and diversifying the programme.

"This funding will allow us to look forward with much more confidence and take the risks necessary to keep bringing the best arts and culture to our communities and support artists to do that."

Cllr Samia Chaudhary, cabinet member for Leisure Services at Hounslow Council, said: "This funding award for Watermans is wonderful news for the cultural landscape of the whole of Hounslow.

"Watermans has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, diversifying their programme to ensure that audiences can still enjoy rich cultural experiences, especially important during this very difficult time.

"It would be unthinkable for this wonderful institution not to be able to continue promoting and supporting the arts and bringing joy to the communities it serves.

"This funding is a lifeline that will ensure its survival into the future and we are very grateful to Arts Council England for this award."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector's recovery.

"These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country.

"This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly."