A new Arts Council fund will provide relief to English cultural organisations at risk of closure.
Nightclubs and dance music events will be eligible to apply for grants from a new £500 million relief fund. Arts Council England announced details of the Culture Recovery Fund: Grants Programme yesterday, a new relief fund for cultural organisations affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The fund is available to cultural organisations that were financially stable prior to the pandemic but now face a serious risk of closure. While a previously announced £2.25 million fund only covered nightclubs that also offered a live music programme, the new scheme specifically notes that venues and events related to “electronic music (including house, electronica, drum & bass, dubstep, experimental)” are eligible.
The news follows the launch of the #LetUsDance campaign last week, which called on the government to provide clarity over funding for nightclubs and festivals. As Mixmag report, Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill said: “We are extremely pleased that the Government and DCMS have released the guidance and eligibility criteria for the Cultural Recovery Fund and have included Electronic Music and many other subgenres.
“This is a positive step forward, but we must maintain pressure on government to gain clarity on the roadmap for businesses that are still unable to open, and fight for further support to ensure they survive this crisis.”
Grants available range from £50,000 to £3 million. Applications open at midday 10 August and close midday 21 August. The second round of applications opens from 4pm 21 August and closes midday 4 September. Head to the Arts Council England website for more details.
