The Arts Council of England has published the list of cultural venues benefited by the Culture Recovery Fund. 1385 music venues and Art Institutes received portions of a £257 million fund. Corsica Studios, Ministry of Sound, Soup Kitchen, and many other organizations benefited from this economic stimulus.
In July, the government of England announced an economic support package of more than £1.57 billion for the arts and culture industries. The reactions did not bode well. Shortly after, the country’s government came under fire due to the delay in this financial support. The UK chancellor Rishi Sunak also later shared his opinion that artists should “find ways to adapt” and get new jobs.
Finally, the Arts Council has revealed the theaters, venues, museums, orchestras, and other cultural organizations that will receive support to help them survive the next six months.
The Council informed organizations that applied for grants under £1 million in the first round of their awards. They will announce more details on funding in the following weeks.
“This is a difficult time for us all, but this first round of funding from the culture recovery fund will help sustain hundreds of cultural spaces and organisations that are loved and admired by local communities and international audiences”
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England
Arts Council Recovery Fund Benefits Clubs, Festivals & More
The Association of Music Venues Trust (MVT) estimated that £50 million is needed to save culture spaces. They urged the UK government to deliver the funds and not to allow venues to reopen with social distancing guidelines, telling MPs that this would end the Grassroots Music Venues sector.
Among the beneficiaries are nightclubs such as London’s Corsica Studios (£407,764), and Electrowerkz (£78,000). Some others are Ormside Projects (£97,695) and Village Underground (£398,000); Bristol’s Motion (£884,796); and Manchester’s Gorilla (£255,500).
The fund also benefits music festivals, booking agencies, record stores, and promoters. Therefore, this funding will help allow performances to restart, venues to plan for reopening, and help protect jobs and create opportunities for freelancers.
You can find the complete list of the benefited places and the amount that each one received here.