Government confirms details of ‘rescue package’ for UK arts and culture
The Art & Culture Rescue Package, worth £1.57bn, is aimed at grassroots venues, culture, heritage and independent cinemas. Here’s how to apply for support.
Almost a month after it was announced, central government has provided detail on how arts and culture organisations in the UK can access loans and grants via its Art & Culture Rescue Package.
The scheme, worth £1.57bn, has been described by the government as “the largest ever government investment in UK culture” and comes at a time when many venues, practitioners and cultural institutions are facing dire financial straits after four months of shutdown.
Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director at London’s Kiln Theatre, called the announcement “a glimpse of hope for a sector brought to its knees” earlier this month.
Dan Bates, Chief Executive at Sheffield Theatres, last week expressed concerns about a lack of detail around the rescue package in a website post which included the announcement that the organisation expects to have to make 29% of its workforce redundant.
Organisations applying for support through the Art & Culture Rescue Package should note that many of the deadlines are short.
Here are the details:
Emergency Grassroots Music Venues Fund
- Administered by Arts Council England.
- Open: 25 July to 12pm on 3 August.
- Administered by Arts Council England. For cultural organisations, both for-profit and not-for-profit. 75% of funds expected to be allocated in round one.
- Round One: 10 to 21 August.
- Round Two: 21 August to 4 September.
Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage
- Administered by Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Open: 30 July to 17 August.
Culture Recovery Fund for Independent Cinemas
- Administered by BFI.
- Open: 3 August to 30 October.
