UK Government unveils £59m boost for Welsh arts sector

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has given details of a major funding post-coronavirus boost for the struggling Welsh arts sector from the UK Government.

He said last night: "Great news from the UK Government tonight with the announcement of £59 million extra for the arts sector in Wales as part of an overall £1.57 billion UK wide support package for the arts."

And he quoted the Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart MP who said in making the announcement: “The Welsh Government has said that it doesn’t have the firepower to support the arts in Wales, so the UK Government is providing £59 million so that they can do just that.

“Many arts, culture and heritage organisations across the UK are facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and those in Wales are no exception.

“We have no time to lose in getting this money to the front line and I’ll be pushing the Welsh Government to ensure that happens.”

The official press release from UK Government says: "Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

"The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic. It will help them stay afloat while their doors are closed. Funding to restart paused projects will also help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.

"Many of Britain’s cultural and heritage institutions have already received unprecedented financial assistance to see them through the pandemic including loans, business rate holidays and participation in the coronavirus job retention scheme. More than 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began.

"This new package will be available across the country and ensure the future of these multi billion-pound industries are secured."

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."