I recognise the huge impact that coronavirus has had on performing arts in our country and have particularly welcomed the opportunities to discuss matters facing the industry through Creative Diversity APPG roundtables. I sincerely look forward to when our treasured cultural sector can make a full return.
I strongly welcome the £1.57 billion rescue package that has been announced to help Britain’s globally renowned arts, culture and heritage industries weather the impact of coronavirus. Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access 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 hit hard by the pandemic. Further details about the package can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/157-billion-investment-to-protect-britains-world-class-cultural-arts-and-heritage-institutions
This package builds on earlier support measures, including a £160 million emergency response package announced by Arts Council England in March. Further details can be found on the Arts Council’s website (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19).
The establishment of the Entertainment and Events Working Group was also very welcome. The Working Group informs and supports the work of the Cultural Renewal Taskforce headed by the Culture Secretary, which is working to find innovative ways to reopen the arts sector as soon as possible.
I am particularly pleased that theatres can now reopen for rehearsal, pre-production and broadcast, and audiences adhering to social distancing will be able to return to indoor theatres, music and performance venues from 1 August. This, alongside the work being done with representatives of the entertainment and events industry to develop supporting guidance, represents a vital step in the roadmap to recovery for our nations’ theatres.
Finally, I know the Secretary of State, Ministers and DCMS officials continue to consult the creative and cultural sectors extensively to ensure they understand fully the potential impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak on the sector. DCMS officials and ministers have also held regular calls with representatives from across the arts and cultural sector and these have included representatives from the Royal Shakespeare Company and a number of dance schools and representatives including Sadler’s Wells and Northern Ballet.
If any individual constituent needs further support or has any particular queries then please get in touch with me as I would be more than happy to discuss further: helen.grant.mp@parliament.uk.
