Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has confirmed the news.
Ahead of tomorrow’s spring Budget announcement (3 March), which will see Chancellor Rishi Sunak outline his pandemic relief plans, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has revealed that the UK’s £1.57 billion Cultural Recovery Fund will receive a £300 million boost.
Sunak is expected to allocate £408 million overall to the arts sector, with £90 million going towards England’s museums and cultural spaces. £18.8 million is expected to be given to community cultural projects.
Whilst there are currently no specific details on how the budget will affect the live music sector, Dowden tweeted: “It’s a relief we can look ahead now so this funding is not just about survival, but planning and preparing for reopening of theatres, galleries and gigs”. [sic]
NEWS: Can confirm tmw’s #Budget will include £400m for the arts on top of £1.5bn already announced
It’s a relief we can look ahead now so this funding is not just about survival, but planning & preparing for reopening of theatres, galleries and gigshttps://t.co/MgEeUFqli5
— Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) March 2, 2021
The first round of funding was allocated to cultural organisations in October 2020. Over 1,385 businesses received funding from a £257 million budget. Applications for the second round closed in January 2021.
Head to the Arts Council England website for further information.
