The UK Government has announced a massive £1.57 billion package to protect Britian’s cultural arts and heritage institutions. This package will benefit thousands of organisations with £900 million of grants available and £270 million of loans. This will have a direct impact on the performing arts, theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema.
This builds on the unprecedented financial assistance the Government has already provided to the UK’s cultural sector through the pandemic, with loans, business rates relief and furlough support. More than 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began.
This funding will help secure jobs and protect our world renowned culture and arts industry. It is an important sector, providing entertainment and joy to all. As the pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives the arts have provided us with joy and a welcoming distraction as we have seen performances like Phantom of the Opera broadcast on Youtube whilst others artists have done live streams on facebook and other platforms.
Here in South Derbyshire we have a number of people who work in local venues and organisations who will greatly benefit from this, particularly theatres in our nearby cities. It is vital we support this industry who bring joy to so many, we must fight to support them for future generations.
