Blackwood Miners’ Institute may soon receive a lifeline, as Caerphilly County Borough Council has submitted an application for a “resilience grant” that could help sustain the venue’s operations. Known locally as “the ‘Stute,” the institute is a cherished cultural hub, currently facing the risk of mothballing due to significant council budget constraints. Caerphilly Council had previously proposed this measure to cut costs, given an estimated £45 million funding shortfall over the next two years. However, the grant application could potentially stave off closure, giving the community more time to develop a sustainable future for the institute.
The proposal to mothball the ‘Stute has sparked widespread opposition across Blackwood and beyond. Residents, local councillors, Senedd Members, and supporters rallied, with thousands marching through Blackwood last month in a vocal push to save the venue. A strong online petition continues to draw signatures, amplifying public support to keep the institute open.
Despite this local outcry, council leaders maintain that their difficult financial decisions are necessary to address the looming deficit. Right now, Blackwood Miners’ Institute requires a subsidy of more than £345,000 each year to stay open. According to council leader Sean Morgan, the resilience grant application, submitted to the Arts Council of Wales, could provide critical breathing room for exploring future business models that would secure the institute’s future.
“This funding bid, if approved, would give us the opportunity to explore alternative management options that could allow the ‘Stute to operate under a different structure, ideally making it more sustainable in the long run,” explained Cllr Morgan. “While we are hopeful for a positive outcome, if the grant isn’t secured, we’ll need to make difficult decisions regarding the institute’s future.”
The council expects a decision on the grant in December. Should the funding come through, Cllr Morgan says the council will work with the community to create a new operational model and potentially a trustee structure to support the institute’s legacy.
While the miners’ institute’s fate hangs in the balance, other council-funded services are also facing cuts. In September, the council confirmed its decision to mothball another significant heritage site, Llancaiach Fawr, as part of broader cost-saving measures. Additional measures include closing a staff restaurant at council headquarters in Tredomen. However, a proposal to discontinue the meals-on-wheels service was retracted due to strong public opposition, reflecting the council’s willingness to listen to resident concerns when possible.
The local community’s ongoing advocacy underscores the cultural importance of the Blackwood Miners’ Institute. Founded as a space for miners to gather, the institute has evolved into a vital venue for arts and events that resonate with residents and tourists alike.