LONDON (UK) – The UK is slated to make an investment of nearly $2 billion in the arts sector and is mulling allowing outdoor as well as socially distanced shows at cultural venues. This is aimed at lifting the sector which has been hit hard by the coronavirus.
The arts industry, which has theatres in London’s West End, opera houses and ballet companies having big-budget performances in venues across the country, is hugely popular among tourists and locals.
But since the lockdown, it has been hit hard.
“I want all our cultural institutions to return to normal,” minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News on Monday.
“Very soon I hope we will be able to permit outdoor performances and then later over the summer be able to have socially distant performances.”
According to the government, the funding of 1.57 billion pounds ($1.96 billion) is the biggest ever for the country’s cultural sector.
However, it remains to be seen how shows with social distancing can rake in profits as near-full capacity is essential for that.
The Royal Albert Hall, which hosts programmes such as the 8-week long classical music concerts known as the BBC Proms, said last month that its coffers would run dry by early 2021 as it lost income and refunded tickets.
On Monday, it welcomed the government’s pledge of funds for the sector, which include grants and repayable finance.
“It’s an absolute life saver for all of us,” chief executive Craig Hassall said.
“Until we can open we don’t know how far the money will go, what the money will be for and opening the venue will be the highest priority for all of us.”
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field