£1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions

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 COVID-19 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.

The University of Salford is proud to be part of Salford’s Strategy for Creativity, Culture and Place and this rescue package will be a welcome lifeline for many of our friends and partners across the city and beyond.

Professor Allan Walker, Dean of the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, said:

“As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, our creative industries have taken a huge hit financially, while at the same time, the importance of arts and culture for our sense of well-being and personal connection has never been more obvious or necessary. As we emerge from the long period of lockdown, our world-renowned creative sector will be a key element in driving the UK’s recovery and in revitalising the quality of our lives. 

“The Government’s announcement to deliver a £1.57 billion rescue package comes at a critical time to ensure we are able to rebuild the creative industries and for the UK to resume its global role at the forefront of culture, heritage and the arts.”