British government releases £ 1.5 billion for culture

The British government announced on Sunday July 5 that aid of 1.57 billion pounds (1.74 billion euros) will be allocated to the culture sector, whose survival has been jeopardized by the coronavirus epidemic .

"The world-renowned British arts, culture and heritage sectors will receive £ 1.57 billion as part of a rescue package to help them overcome the impact of the coronavirus", the government announced in a statement on Sunday. It's about "Biggest one-time investment ever made in British culture", he said.

Theaters, museums, galleries, historic palaces will be eligible, as will organizations involved in live music, heritage or independent cinema. The vast majority of this aid (£ 1.15 billion) will go to cultural institutions in England, in the form of grants (880 million) and loans (270 million). Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will receive £ 33, 97 and £ 59 million respectively.

"I said I would not give up on the cultural sector and this massive investment shows our commitment", tried Minister of Culture Oliver Dowden, who said he understood the "Serious challenges" that the 700,000 employees in the sector currently face.

Multiple calls for help

This sector has suffered particularly, deprived of all income since the introduction of containment on March 23. On Saturday, museums and cinemas were allowed to reopen. But due to physical distancing measures, the future of concerts and festivals is much more uncertain.

For several days, there have been repeated calls for help. Some 1,500 big names in British music sent an open letter to the Minister of Culture on Thursday urging him to act.

Read also Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Rolling Stones… 1,500 artists call to save British music

Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the announcement on Sunday, saying that "Iconic musicals", "Fascinating exhibitions" and "Concerts given in the basements" local pubs were "The cœur beating » from the United Kingdom.

This "Unprecedented intervention" has been "Warmly welcomed" by Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd, giving to the live music industry "The time necessary for" reopen " safely ". This is "A vital step for recovery" in the sector, said the director general of the Royal Opera, Alex Beard.

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