Whilst the support is welcomed, we still need venues to be able to open their doors and get musicians working again. Photo credit: Shutterstock
On Monday 12 October, Arts Council of England (ACE) announced the first round of funding awards to 1385 varying arts organisations from grass roots music venues to opera companies, dance studios to museums.
Just over £257 million of the £1.57 Billion has been spent to support the arts in England. Music received the highest share with 394 organisations funded meaning a 29% share equalling nearly £69 million.
Our National Organiser Live Performance, Dave Webster, responded to the news:
“Whilst the support to ensure that these myriad English arts organisations can stay afloat is welcomed, we still need them to be able to open their doors and get musicians working again. The money only goes so far – it's the business of entertainment that a needs a long term solution.
“That long term solution comes when audiences are confident enough to come back to enjoying music performed live.
“We wait to see how the devolved nations will distribute their tranche of money and look forward to the next distribution announcement. For now, we hope that our world-renowned cultural infrastructure can keep its head above the Covid water.”
Take action now
Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.
You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.
Write to your MP now.