Britain’s globally renowned arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a world-leading £1.57 billion rescue package to help weather the impact of coronavirus.
Thousands of organisations across the performing arts, theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema have new access to emergency grants and loans.
The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country whose revenue has been hit badly by the pandemic. The emergency money will help them to stay afloat while their doors are closed and tickets sales down. Funding to restart paused projects will also help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.
The government's package has been warmly welcomed by the arts industry and James shares their relief, saying:
Our museums, galleries, performing arts and culture are integral to the Britain we know and love.
Many constituents and venue owners have contacted me with concerns about the future of theatres, music venues and other places I spoke to the Culture Secretary about the need for support and I very much welcome this financial support, and hope it means the thriving arts and heritage organisations of North West Norfolk will get the support they need to survive.
Many of Britain’s cultural and heritage institutions have already received unprecedented financial assistance to see them through the pandemic including loans, business rate holidays and participation in the coronavirus job retention scheme. More than 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began.
This new package will be available across the country and ensure the future of these multi billion-pound industries are secured.
