I am delighted that dozens of organisations across Thirsk and Malton including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinemas will benefit from access to emergency grants and loans announced today.
The £1.57 billion package represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture and will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic, ensuring they stay afloat and protecting multi-billion pound industries that are famous around the world for the future. This builds on the unprecedented financial assistance the Government has already provided to the UK’s cultural sector through the pandemic, with loans, business rates relief and furlough support. More than 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began.
Today’s announcement is fantastic news for Thirsk and Malton and will provide a vital lifeline to cultural and arts institutions across North Yorkshire. This will not only secure local jobs give but it gives hope to arts centres, museums, galleries, cinemas and theatres across Thirsk and Malton which have been desperately worried about their future and whether they will be able to continue for local residents and future generations to enjoy. I look forward to hearing more details in the coming days and to supporting our fantastic creative industry sector as it gets back on its feet after months of shutdown.”
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “From iconic theatre and musicals, mesmerising exhibitions at our world-class galleries to gigs performed in local basement venues, the UK’s cultural industry is the beating heart of this country. This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Our arts and culture are the soul of our nation. They make our country great and are the lynchpin of our world-beating and fast growing creative industries. I understand the grave challenges the arts face and we must protect and preserve all we can for future generations. Today we are announcing a huge support package of immediate funding to tackle the funding crisis they face. I said we would not let the arts down, and this massive investment shows our level of commitment.”
