After passionate lobbying from across the entertainment industry, the UK government has announced a £1.57bn “one-off investment in UK culture” to help the industry through the difficult past months and to survive – we hope – the challenges still to come.
Described by UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak as a rescue package, there will be £880m worth of grants available between now and April 2021, to be shared throughout the entertainment sector: theatre, heritage sites, museums, music venues, galleries will also be supplemented by £270m of loans.
There will also be £100m worth of support for English cultural institutions and the Heritage Trust, and £120m to help the construction of cultural sites. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “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.” The scheme will help “support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors”.
Details will be revealed over the coming weeks, with the government also finalising guidance on a phased return of live performances.
The package was revealed by Rishi Sunak and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and reported in the Financial Times, Variety, i news and more.