Boris Johnson has announced a rescue package for culture, art, and heritage organisations throughout the UK.
The emergency funding has been described, by the government, as the biggest one-off investment in UK culture.
Announced on Sunday July 5th, the package includes £270m in loans and £880m in grants for cultural organisations in England, as well as extra money for devolved administrations.
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 government hope the money will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations, across the country, hit hard by the pandemic.
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “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.
“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.”
The announcement follows weeks of pressure from the sector, with arts leaders warning many venues were on the brink of collapse because of lockdown measures.
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