CULTURE
2:57 PM PDT 7/5/2020
by
Alex Ritman
The coronavirus arts industry rescue package includes stand for independent theaters and cinemas.
The British government has unveiled a £ 1.57 billion ($ 1.96 billion) lifeline for the country’s embattled arts and culture sector, including independent theaters and cinemas.
The rescue package, announced Sunday night, comes amid a new plea for help from the British arts industry, which has been pushed to the limit by the coronavirus pandemic, with many famous locations facing closure and thousands of workers who have already lost their jobs. Unions and industry agencies had been lobbying the government for months, and the arts sector among which they had received minimal support so far.
The new deal includes £ 880 million ($ 1 billion) in grants for the financial year through April 2021, a package to be shared among theaters, music venues, heritage sites, museums, galleries, and independent cinemas. The government also offers £ 270 million ($ 336 million) in repayable loans. The decision on how the money will be distributed will be made with the support of organizations such as the British Film Institute.
“From iconic theaters and musicals, from fascinating displays in our world-class galleries to concerts in local basement venues, the UK culture industry is the heart of this country,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring that arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff while their doors remain closed and the curtains remain low.”
Welcoming the new, BFI CEO Ben Roberts said: “This is very welcome news for our independent theaters, which play a vital cultural role across the country. Today’s announcement will help many of them to reopen soon and safely for the public and staff, and bring communities and moviegoers together again. “
Since mid-March, more than 350,000 people have been suspended in the leisure and recreation industries. The sector employs an estimated workforce of 700,000.
