July 2020
31 July - Return of indoor shows delayed and masks enforced
The socially-distanced reopening of indoor performances in England has been delayed until at least 15 August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.
The easing of restrictions at theatres and music venues was due to start this weekend, but has been postponed amid concerns over a rise in virus cases.
31 July - The Government announces that some coronavirus restrictions will not be lifted tomorrow
The Government has announced this afternoon that the planned easing of restrictions tomorrow, Saturday 1 August, will not be going ahead due to a rise in the number of new coronavirus cases across the country.
30 July - Arts and culture given £53m from Welsh Government
The arts and culture sector is to be supported by £53m from the Welsh Government.
The money is to help individuals and organisations cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
“What has happened to the £6m – within the space of a month, £59m has been reduced to £53m and not a penny has reached the sector.”
29 July - Freelancers: ‘Government continues to ignore us with pitiful funding figure’
A £500 million allocation of grants for cultural organisations from the government has been branded “pitiful” by a campaign group for freelancers
29 July - Marlowe in Canterbury prepares to cut a third of its workforce
Almost a third of Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre face redundancy as a result of the impact of the pandemic on its operations
29 July - Bristol Old Vic commences redundancy consultations with staff
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Bristol Old Vic has embarked on a consultation process with affected staff in the face of a significant reduction in the work it can undertake and the income it can generate. This follows similar announcements from theatres across the regions. It is anticipated that over 20 roles from its full-time workforce of 60 could be at risk.
28 July - Government announces new £500 million scheme to kickstart film and television production struggling to secure insurance for Covid-related costs
28 July - The Phantom of the Opera has been 'permanently shut down' in the West End
The Phantom of the Opera will close in the West End in a stark blow for London theatre fans.
27 July - It’s time for philanthropists to stand up for theatre's freelancers
“Theatre’s freelancers are facing a crisis, it’s time for philanthropists to stand up, says John Studzinski, founder of the Genesis Foundation.”
23 July - Government too late for UK culture sector in Covid-19 crisis, say MPs
Report by DCMS committee slams response and ‘vague and slow-coming’ reopening plan
““The failure of the government to act quickly has jeopardised the future of institutions that are part of our national life and the livelihoods of those who work for them,” said the committee’s chair, Conservative MP Julian Knight.“
23 July - Impact of COVID-19 on DCMS sectors: First Report
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and its associated public bodies.
https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/2022/documents/19516/default/
Sport, culture and tourism all operate to some extent by bringing people together for shared experiences. All have been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis. While this report focuses on sectors within the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s remit, it is important to remember that their difficulties will spill into the wider economy, and the health and wellbeing of the population as a whole.
22 July - Sing into the funnel please: inside the Covid-19 lab hoping to declare singing safe
Britain’s 40,000 choirs have all been silenced, brass and woodwind players too. We meet the scientists racing to find out exactly how dangerous blowing instruments and singing are
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/22/sing-funnel-covid-19-lab-hoping-declare-singing-safe
Singing is so important to people, spiritually, emotionally and physically
21 July - Lloyd Webber calls on government for full theatre reopening date
Andrew Lloyd Webber has urged the government to provide clarity on when theatres can reopen fully
Andrew Lloyd Webber has added his voice to calls on the government to provide clarity on when theatres can fully reopen. He said it was not economically viable to open theatres with reduced capacities.
21 July - Job loss threat as Sheffield theatres stay closed
Almost a third of jobs at Sheffield Theatres are at risk following the group’s announcement its venues won’t now fully reopen their doors until next spring because of the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-leeds-53445680?
The group, which runs the Crucible and the Lyceum in Sheffield, says it will only run a “pop-up” season this year, with activity and audiences being massively reduced.
Social distancing and rules around the coronavirus means it anticipates it will only have 57% of its audiences back in the next financial year, leading to a drop in income.
Because of this, a consultation has been launched looking at making 72 staff members redundant.
21 July - After the pandemic, Britain's arts sector will be less diverse than ever | Nathalie Olah
The culture bailout is unlikely to reach smaller organisations or people on lower incomes, says the author Nathalie Olah
The bailout is unlikely to reach small organisations or people on lower incomes, leaving the industry open only to a wealthy few
20 July - My latest role: how theatre-makers recast themselves as key workers – in pictures
When Covid-19 struck, theatre photographer Ali Wright lost her livelihood – alongside thousands of other freelance stage creatives and actors.
Many have turned their skills to use during lockdown as key workers. Wright marks their resilience with a series of portraits, called My Latest Role
20 July - Clarity urged over how £59m will benefit Welsh arts sector
Theatre workers being asked to pay back furlough contributions
Cast and offstage workers are being asked to sign contracts requiring them to repay employer furlough contributions from their wages once shows resume, according to industry bodiess.
17 July - Clarity urged over how £59m will benefit Welsh arts sector
Concerns are being raised in Wales about how £59 million of funding announced as part of the government’s investment package will be distributed to the country’s at-risk arts sector.
When the issue was raised in the Senedd by Plaid Cymru MS Siân Gwenllian, ministers said they could not yet confirm what funding will be made available for the arts.
17 July - Coronavirus leaves British theatre 'in danger of losing its Marcus Rashfords'
Doctor Foster actor Prasanna Puwanarajah warns that many in a new generation of superb talent may be forced to leave the industry
…so many emerging performers who you might call the sector’s Marcus Rashfords. They will need to leave and they won’t be able to come back. If he and his colleagues aren’t theatre’s ‘crown jewels’ then I don’t know what we’re saving.
17 July - AUDIENCES BACK IN THEATRES FROM 1 AUGUST
Indoor performances with socially distanced audiences will be able to take place across the country from 1 August
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/audiences-back-in-theatres-from-1-august
Audiences adhering to social distancing will be able to return to indoor theatres, music and performance venues from 1 August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced today.
17 July - National Lottery Project Grants are returning
Arts Council England have published some additional guidance that explains how the fund will work between now and April 2021.
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/projectgrants
“On 22 July we’ll be open again for applications, with a budget of £59.8 million available until April 2021.
We have prioritised reopening this programme to help fund independent organisations, creative practitioners and freelancers as quickly as possible. “
15 July - SIX TOUR AXED
UK tour for hit show Six and top music acts axed due to local lockdown concerns
“UK tour for hit show Six and top music acts axed due to local lockdown concerns….”
15 July - FREELANCERS - WHO WILL SECURE OUR FUTURE?
I’m one of the freelancers who makes British theatre happen. Who will secure our future?
“Saving buildings and administrative jobs is pointless without protecting artists…”
14 July - BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL REDUNDANCIES
Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall begin redundancy consultation
“Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall have entered into a redundancy consultation as a result of extended closure due to Covid-19.
A press statement from the two concert halls said that half of its staff are at risk of redundancy…”
10 July - JAPAN: OUTBREAK TRACED TO TOKYO THEATRE
Japan traces new coronavirus outbreak to Tokyo theatre boy-band show
“Tokyo health officials appealed on Tuesday for more than 800 theatregoers to get tested for the novel coronavirus after a production starring Japanese boy-band members was found to be the source of at least 20 cases…”
10 July - DIVERSITY: ARTS IN WALES FAILING TO MEET MARK
Diversity: Arts in Wales ‘failing to meet mark’
“The Arts Council of Wales has admitted it is “failing to meet the mark” when it comes to equality in the arts.
It comes as a group set up by artists and organisations warned the sector would “inevitably lose people” if diversity was not addressed…..”
10 July - ARTS BAILOUT IS MORE DIVISIVE THAN IT LOOKS
Rishi Sunak’s arts bailout is more divisive than it looks
“The government’s Covid-19 response is opening up deep divisions. Theatres and museums get help but creatives are being cut loose…..”
10 July - WHAT'S THE FUTURE OF THEATRE?
What’s the future of theatre? A Scottish seaside town may have all the answers
“Transparent wraparound screens, touring deckchair pop-ups, rooftop suction devices … our writer talks to the designers rethinking theatre for the Covid age – and finds Dunoon leading the way…..”
10 July - 1/3 OF FREELANCERS CONSIDERING LEAVING INDUSTRY
Third of freelancers considering leaving industry – report
“A quarter of freelance theatre workers have been unable to access emergency income of any kind and a third are considering leaving the industry, according to a survey of more than 8,000 participants…”
10 July - GENESIS FOUNDATION: £100k FREELANCER FUND
Genesis Foundation offers freelancers £100k support boost
“A £100,000 fund for freelance artists has been launched by the Genesis Foundation, as its founder calls for philanthropists to play their part in helping theatre recover…..”
10 July - NATIONAL THEATRE: 400 REDUNDANCIES GO AHEAD
National Theatre to push ahead with 400 casual staff redundancies.
“The National Theatre has confirmed that redundancies of 400 casual workers will still go ahead despite the government’s announcement of a £1.57 billion support package for the industry…..”
10 July - SHOW MUST GO ON: T-SHIRTS RAISE £250k
Show Must Go On charity T-shirts raise £250,000
“Specially designed Show Must Go On T-shirts have raised £250,000 for charity.
The T-shirts have been on sale alongside other items, including mugs and badges, and were created by Damien Stanton and Chris Marcus under the Theatre Support Fund banner…”
10 July - MORE THEATRES CONFIRM REDUNDANCIES
More theatres confirm redundancies as casualties mount
“Theatres in Bristol, Coventry and Exeter are among the latest to confirm they have begun redundancy consultations, as the fallout from months of closure continues…..”
10 July - CULTURE MINISTER: THEATRES WILL REOPEN SHORTLY
Culture Minister says theatres will re-open ‘very shortly’ once safety measures are tested.
“The government’s culture minister Caroline Dinenage has elaborated on the plan to re-open venues…”
10 July - GOVERNMENT ARTS BAILOUT NOT A CURE ALL
The government’s arts bailout is not a cure-all for theatres in crisis
“The unexpected £1.57bn rescue package may keep theatres solvent, but it won’t help them to open safely. Stephen Armstrong explains what still needs fixing…”
10 July - USA: ARTISTS OF COLOUR DEMANDS FOR CHANGE
USA: Theater Artists of Color Enumerate Demands for Change
“A 29-page document released this week amounts to a call for wholesale restructuring of the system, onstage and backstage, on Broadway and beyond…..”
10 July - BRISTOL'S THEATRES IN PERIL "WE NEED HELP"
We need help as soon as possible’: Bristol’s theatres in peril
“The Old Vic and Tobacco Factory Theatres hope that help from the £1.57bn UK arts sector rescue fund arrives soon…”
10 July - TEES VALLEY LAUNCHES TASKFORCE
Tees Valley launches taskforce to aid cultural recovery.
“Cultural leaders from the Tees Valley have joined up with representatives from the local tourism and hospitality sectors in a combined effort to help the region recover from the coronavirus pandemic…”
10 July - ENGLAND'S OUTDOOR THEATRES PREPARE TO OPEN
We’re delighted!’ England’s outdoor theatres prepare to open.
“With a bright and dry weekend forecast, the weather is perfect for England’s outdoor theatres, which now have permission to reopen for live performance. But as the government gave the go-ahead only on Thursday evening, it will still be some time before most shows can go on…”
10 July - NEW ADVENTURES EMERGING ARTISTS SCHEME
New Adventures announces emerging dance artists for 2020 development scheme
“Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures has confirmed the dancers appointed for the latest iteration of its development scheme Overture…”
10 July - OFFICIAL GOVT. SAFETY ADVICE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Performing arts: Guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants.
www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
The UK Governement official guidance for the Performing Arts industry
10 July - MICRO-COMMISSIONS FOR D/DEAF & DISABLED ARTISTS
Micro-commissioning scheme launched for D/deaf and disabled artists in Coventry
“A new initiative has been launched to provide micro-commissions to D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists in Coventry and Warwickshire…”
10 July - THE TRUE COSTS OF BEING A FREELANCER
Freelance director Sophie Ivatts: ‘We are refusing to see the true costs of being freelance in theatre’
“The theatre industry is seen as progressive and inclusive, yet the freelances it depends on continue to be underpaid – to the detriment of their well-being as well as their wallets, argues freelance director Sophie Ivatts…”
10 July - BIRMINGHAM REP MAY MAKE 40% REDUNDANT
Birmingham Rep may make 40% of roles redundant amid Covid-19 crisis
“Despite emergency support funds, cuts may be needed for theatre to survive loss of income during coronavirus closure…..”
10 July - FREELANCERS: THEY MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN
The Guardian view on arts freelancers: they must not be forgotten
“The government has stepped in to protect the UK’s cultural infrastructure, but has neglected the people who make the arts….”
8 July - ARTS COUNCIL TO FOCUS ON SUPPORTING FREELANCERS
Arts Council to focus reopened grant scheme on supporting freelance artists
“Arts Council England has said it will prioritise artists and individuals when it reopens its grant programme again this month, amid concerns the government’s billion-pound cultural investment package will not support freelancers…”
8 July - EUPHORIA WILL SOON FADE WITHOUT A PLAN
Euphoria over £1.57bn boost will soon fade without a plan to reopen
www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/euphoria-over-157bn-boost-will-soon-fade-without-a-plan-to-reopen
“The government’s cash boost has thrown the sector a lifeline. Now to the serious business of distribution and the greater challenge of getting the performing arts performing again…”
8 July - ARTS COUNCIL TO FOCUS ON SUPPORTING FREELANCERS
Arts Council to focus reopened grant scheme on supporting freelance artists
“Arts Council England has said it will prioritise artists and individuals when it reopens its grant programme again this month, amid concerns the government’s billion-pound cultural investment package will not support freelancers…”
7 July - DEBATE: ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE: SUPPORT PACKAGE
House of Commons Debate: Arts, Culture and Heritage: Support Package
The Minister for Digital and Culture (Caroline Dinenage):
“….The broader package comes on top of the announcement made last week by the Arts Council to reopen its project grants competition and make an additional £39 million of funding available to support creativity—in particular from freelancers, creative practitioners and independent organisations…”
Jo Stevens [V]:
“…It is vital that this money does not just get hoovered up by the biggest venues with the loudest voices. As well as protecting the jewels in the crown, every town and city lucky enough to have a theatre that is a precious part of the local economy must keep it. We were disappointed that yesterday there was yet again no mention of freelancers, who make up 70% of the workforce in theatre alone. These are highly specialist, creative people—musicians, performers and other professionals—who have been excluded from the Treasury schemes since the start of this crisis. I am concerned that the Department does not understand the nature of the work in this sector, which is why we have continually warned against a one-size-fits-all approach….
…Lastly, I want the Government to focus on the people who have made this sector admired around the world and the specialist and highly skilled jobs they do, because once those are lost, they will be almost impossible to recover…”
“…We are entirely aware that this sector and everybody in it, be it the buildings, the venues, the organisations or the freelancers, are fundamental to the British economy and our history, heritage and wellbeing, which is why we are doing everything we can to bring it back as soon as possible, but we have to make sure people can remain safe while engaging with all these sectors.”
John Nicolson (Ochil and South Perthshire) (SNP) [V]:
“…To date, however, the UK Government have shown no intention of supporting those not eligible for the self-employment income support scheme. If that is not addressed, we risk losing a generation who cannot afford to survive without income. Will the Minister clarify how much, if any, of this funding will go to self-employed workers in the creative industries who have slipped through the net? How will she ensure that these funds urgently reach the organisations that have been desperately pleading for help?…”
“…He is right to mention freelancers who are not swept up in the self-employment income support scheme. We have been working tirelessly over recent weeks and months with the sector to understand what enables people to fall through the gap and what more we can do to support them. As a result of these grants and loans, organisations will be able to resume cultural activity, albeit in a socially distanced way, which will increase employment opportunity for freelancers—at the end of the day, that is what they want more than anything: to be able to get back to work. There is also £120 million of funding for capital projects, which will enable projects that have been paused to resume and all the different craftsmen and specialist heritage construction workers to be employed. This package complements the announcement made last week by the Arts Council that it will reopen its project grants competition and make £59 million of funding available to support creativity, in particular from freelancers. We must not forget that, of the £215 million that the Government have already pledged to this through the emergency support package, £160 million was from Arts Council England, of which £20 million has gone to individuals, including freelancers….”
Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con):
“…Last night, I spoke to a constituent who works as a percussion musician at the annual pantomime at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford; thinking of him and all the other performers, electricians, musicians, actors, and especially freelancers, can we please make sure that this funding does get through to support all of them, because they are the real lifeblood of our arts and cultural sector?”
“My hon. Friend is right to say that our creative people and artists are the lifeblood of our industry—without them we simply would not have it. The key is that the cultural organisations that rely on audiences have been particularly hard hit, and if we can bring them back into use, there will be work for the freelancers he mentions. The key to bringing them back is the key to supporting the supply chains that feed them. Support has been available through the emergency funds, for example, through Arts Council England, but we understand that the best way to support our amazing freelancers up and down the country is to give them more work that they can do and get things back open as soon as possible.”
Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab):
“…Newport West is home to a vibrant and growing cultural scene. I have been contacted by many constituents, such as Sam Dabb who manages the music venue Le Pub, and actors Daniel Williams and Chris Rankin who, like others, have shared their experiences of being freelancers in today’s harsh economic climate. Although today’s announcement is welcome for some, it has come too late for others, such as the 23 who are losing their jobs at Newsquest—…
What specific support will the Government give to those who have fallen through the gaps of the financial safety net?”
As I have said, the best thing we can do to support those freelancers who have not been scooped up by the self-employment income support scheme—very many thousands have been—is to get the organisations back up and running so that these individuals can start earning money again.
Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con) [V]:
“The £1.5 billion is a massive sum of money and incredibly welcome. However, further to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Damian Collins), it is the men and women who work in the theatres, not the theatres themselves, who really need the support. My hon. Friend the Minister referred to enhanced opportunities for freelancers. Could she put a little flesh on that bone and tell us how that is likely to work?”
“My right hon. Friend is one of our Equity card-carrying Members of Parliament, so I always listen carefully when he talks about this issue. There are a number of ways we can help. First, getting everything back up to speed will of course support our freelancers and the workforce up and down the sector. Arts Council England has reinstated the fund that people can bid into for projects, so a number of other schemes—worth £59 million—are available to offer support.”
Hannah Bardell (Livingston) (SNP) [V]:
“Last week the live music industry hosted a webinar with musician and artist Beverley Knight as part of the “Let the Music Play” campaign. It was clear from her and others that there is deep distress in the live music industry. They talked about the impact on associated jobs that are tied up with the industry but have fallen through the cracks of this Government’s furlough scheme. Can the Minister tell us how those freelance musicians, technicians, producers and associated professionals will get support, as they appear to have been completely forgotten by her Government?
“Like others, I welcome this announcement and hope that it will benefit Revelation St Mary’s in Ashford, one of those churches that is also a cultural centre, which the Minister has already referred to. Can she give us a little more detail about the support for freelancers? In particular, when does she think some of the money will actually get into their pockets and bank accounts? I know from my constituency that some of them are already looking for jobs outside the sector because they are so worried about their future inside it.”
Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab)
“Despite this announcement, there is still a lot of uncertainty in the arts industry, most notably among freelancers. Even when productions can resume during the pandemic, this will not go away. Will the Minister tell me whether the Government will create a plan that ensures that companies and their artists are protected financially if their show is cancelled due to a localised lockdown or if a member of the company tests positive for covid-19?”
Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab) [V]:”
“One of my constituents owns a company that supplies video, lighting, sound systems and technicians to performance venues on a rental basis, but his business will not benefit from the Government’s announcement. He is really worried that he and many other providers of services to performance venues will have to make many staff redundant within the month. So what will the Minister do as a matter of urgency to support those incredibly important technical staff working in this industry?”
Feryal Clark (Enfield North) (Lab)
“All Safe and Sound and Handheld Audio Ltd are just two of the companies in my constituency working in the arts and creative sector that have lost 98% of their incomes since the March lockdown and will fall off the cliff when the furlough has ended. Will the Minister tell me what support is available from this rescue package for the ecosystem of such companies and businesses that support our creative and arts sector?”
“There is an unprecedented package of business support. The furloughing scheme, the business loan scheme and the bounce back loan scheme have poured millions and millions of pounds into supporting businesses up and down the country.”
Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con):
“The Princes Theatre, the West Cliff Theatre and the Frinton Summer Theatre, which I used to run, are all in dire need. The Frinton Summer Theatre is not having a season this year. Could my hon. Friend say a bit more about how these funds will be distributed, particularly to the regions? Theatres are closing. Rome is burning. This funding is needed and it is needed urgently.”
Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)
“Live music is of huge cultural importance to Midlothian, and the venues at grassroots level are a massive factor in that, but without the performers, these venues can do nothing. What support can the Minister provide to assure our performers, especially freelance performers, that their livelihoods can continue?”
“As I have already said, a very large number of performers have been protected by the self-employed income support scheme. We know that it is not everybody. We have been working really hard to try to ascertain who is falling through the gaps and what more can be done to support them. But there have been a number of packages in place, such as the Arts Council England £20 million fund that has gone to individuals.”
Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab) [V]:
“My constituency is famous for its theatres and culture and I think I am the only MP whose predecessor won two Oscars, but many of my constituents employed in these sectors are extremely worried, having fallen through the cracks of the Government’s support schemes and now facing the prospect of their workplaces closing. The news of new funding will be welcomed by venues such as the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn and Hampstead Theatre, but how will the Minister ensure that smaller institutions can access it if they are forced to apply for at least £1 million?”
Karin Smyth (Bristol South) (Lab):
I felt that the Minister was unusually disrespectful to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff Central (Jo Stevens), who asked a very important question about freelancers and how the package is not helping, which has been echoed across the House. There is clearly a lot of support for creative freelancers, who are not supported by the job retention scheme and cannot currently access the other schemes. In Bristol South, they are critical to supporting Bristol’s wider creative and music offer. Will the Minister please consider going back to the Treasury to find a way to help that group of people?”
Caroline Dineage:
“I am well aware that a number of people up and down the country have fallen through the gaps and are not being protected in the way we envisaged when we started the self-employed income support scheme. The hon. Lady may be interested to know that, alongside the Government’s significant investment, Netflix, working with UK Theatre, the Society of London Theatre and Sam Mendes, has donated £500,000 to set up a theatre artists fund, which is supporting individuals in the theatre industry who are in dire straits at the moment.”
Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab) [V]
“I want to raise the survival of orchestras. The support package for organisations is welcome, but as we keep hearing it will not help thousands of freelancers—the musicians who are not eligible for Government support schemes….”
7 July - CALL FOR EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF £1.57bn
AAPG for Creative Diversity: Letter
www.twitter.com/diversityappg/status/1280471673192448001?s=21
“A letter from our co-chairs @BullDeborah and @ChiOnwurah (and co-signatories @FloellaBenjamin, @jbonham_carter, @TracyBrabin and @HelenGrantMP) calling for equitable distribution of the £1.57bn support package for the arts.”
7 July - MP: WHAT SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN TO FREELANCERS?
Bambos Charalambous MP gets no answer from Sunak
www.mobile.twitter.com/bambos_mp/status/1280462324776738816
“Mr Sunak still can’t tell me what support will be given to freelance creative workers who have had no support for over 100 days now.”
6 July - £1.57bn MUST HELP FREELANCERS
£1.57bn must help freelancers and independent sector – theatre figures
“Theatre figures and organisations are urging the government to ensure its support package reaches all areas of the industry, including freelancers and the independent sector…”
6 July - PANTO BOSS GIVES DOWDEN DEADLINE
Panto boss gives Dowden deadline to save crucial festive season
www.thestage.co.uk/news/coronavirus-panto-boss-gives-dowden-deadline-to-save-crucial-festive-season
“Britain’s most prolific pantomime producer has warned of the grave impacts for theatres if the vital Christmas season is lost, appealing to government to provide clarity and guidance by this time next month…”
6 July - UK ARTS RESCUE PACKAGE A HUGE RELIEF
The UK arts rescue package is a huge relief – but the devil will be in the detail
www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/06/arts-recovery-package-sector
“The arts aren’t just about glossy shows in big cities – all communities should benefit from this funding…”
6 July - ARTS COUNCIL REACTION TO RESCUE PACKAGE
The government’s arts, culture and heritage rescue package
www.artscouncil.org.uk/blog/governments-arts-culture-and-heritage-rescue-package
“Our CEO Darren Henley blogs about the new £1.57 billion government relief package for arts, culture and heritage in the UK:”
“This is a massive vote of confidence: in our sector’s quality, its reach and its roots in communities up and down the country. And it’s an acknowledgement of the importance of creativity and culture to the future wellbeing of the country. It’s also an investment that will see a healthy return over time as theatres, museums, galleries, arts centres, music venues and artists themselves eventually get back to what they do best, creating.”
6 July - PACKAGE BRINGS RELIEF BUT NOT GRATITUDE
The government’s 11th-hour rescue package brings relief, but not gratitude
www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/the-governments-11th-hour-rescue-package-brings-relief-but-not-gratitude
“Finally. Last night the government announced a £1.57 billion rescue package for arts and culture, and the feelings of relief were palpable…”
6 July - THE GUARDIAN VIEW ON £1.57bn FOR THE ARTS
The Guardian view on £1.5bn for the arts: the shows will go on
“Culture needed a lifeline, and has got one. Now the sector must avoid treading water…”
6 July - EMERGENCY INVESTMENT IS HUGELY WELCOME, BUT….
Emergency investment is hugely welcome, but clarity on reopening is crucial
www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/the-governments-11th-hour-rescue-package-brings-relief-but-not-gratitude
“The culture secretary has responded to the arts sector’s concerns with a much-needed cash injection – now we must make sure this money is spent wisely and reaches those who really need it…”
6 July - £1.57bn EMERGENCY ARTS FUND TOO LATE FOR SOME
Government’s £1.57bn UK emergency arts fund ‘too late for some’
www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jul/06/governments-157bn-uk-emergency-arts-fund-too-late-for-many
“Insiders warn that venues such as theatres could still go bust with hundreds of jobs lost…”
6 July - END TO SOCIAL DISTANCING….STILL SOME WAY OFF
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Dowden – ‘end to social distancing for theatres still some way off’ www.thestage.co.uk/news/coronavirus-dowden–end-to-social-distancing-for-theatres-still-some-way-off
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6 July - ARTS FIGURES PICK THE THEATRES THAT INSPIRED THEM
‘It’s my second home’: UK arts figures pick the theatres that inspired them
“Arts venues have been hit hard by the pandemic and are still unable to stage live performances. In a new series, we celebrate their essential role…”