I have been contacted about support for the arts amid the Covid-19 crisis.
I understand that this has been a difficult time for the performing arts sector in Broxtowe and across the country. I look forward to when our treasured cultural sector can make a full return when it is safe to do so.
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 the coronavirus. Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic places, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinemas will be able to access emergency grants and loans.
This is the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture and will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country. For more information on the package please see here:
This package builds on earlier support measures, including a £160 million emergency response package announced by the Arts Council England in March. Further details can be found on the Arts Council’s website:
www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19
I welcome the establishment of the Entertainment and Events Working Group. This group works with the Culture Secretary to find innovative ways of reopening the arts sector as soon as possible.
Theatres can now reopen for rehearsal, pre-production and broadcast, although not yet for live performance with an audience. 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.
I know the Secretary of State, ministers and DCMS officials continue to work with the creative sectors to ensure they fully understand the potential impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak on the sector.
I understand this is a difficult time for the sector and I will ensure that ministers are aware of the concerns of the performing arts sector in Broxtowe.
