Government announces £1.5bn rescue package for arts and cultural heritage institutions

The UK government has announced a £1.57bn rescue package for arts and cultural industries following the impact of coronavirus.

The scheme will provide institutions such as theatres, museums and live music venues with access to emergency grants and loans.

Many of these venues remain closed under current restrictions, and the government has said that the package will “help them stay afloat”, as well as supporting employment.

The package includes £1.15bn support for cultural organisations in England, including £880m worth of grants, £100m of targeted support for “national cultural institutions” in the English Heritage Trust, and £120m in capital investment to restart construction and heritage construction project.

The funding also includes £188m for authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The government has not yet announced when the scheme will be open for applications, but has said that more details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, said: “Our world-renowned galleries, museums, heritage sites, music venues and independent cinemas are not only critical to keeping our economy thriving, employing more than 700,000 people, they’re the lifeblood of British culture.

“That’s why we’re giving them the vital cash they need to safeguard their survival, helping to protect jobs and ensuring that they can continue to provide the sights and sounds that Britain is famous for.

Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, added: “We greatly welcome this very significant investment by the government in the future of arts and culture in this country and look forward to working with them on next steps.

“I know our amazing artists and creative organisations will repay the faith that the government has shown by demonstrating the range of their creativity, by serving their communities and by helping the nation recover as we emerge from the pandemic.”