UK Government have announced plans for a £1.5 billion support package, to help the cultural and heritage sectors “weather the impact of coronavirus.” The support package was announced on July 5th, and outlined plans to provide museums, galleries, and heritage sites with emergency grants and loans. There will also be support available for music venues, theatres, and independent cinemas.
“From iconic theatre and musicals, mesmerising exhibitions at our world-class galleries to gigs performed in local basement venues, the UK’s cultural industry is the beating heart of this country,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “Our arts and culture are the soul of our nation. They make our country great and are the lynchpin of our world-beating and fast-growing creative industries. I understand the grave challenges the arts face and we must protect and preserve all we can for future generations.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said arts spaces were “the lifeblood of British culture” and that the support package would ensure “that they can continue to provide the sights and sounds that Britain is famous for”.
The money, offered in support to the cultural sector, marks the biggest one-off investment in UK culture, and follows other measures taken to help companies throughout the pandemic. As well as helping businesses to survive, it is designed to “help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors”.
The support package includes: £1.15 billion in support for cultural organisations in England, delivered through grants and loans, £100 million in targeted support for national cultural institutions in England and the English Heritage Trust, £120 million capital investment to restart construction on projects in England, and an additional £188 million for devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
