Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed news that 135 grassroots music venues have benefitted from £3.36 million, the first tranche of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund that she helped secure.
Caroline, who is the Minister of State for Digital and Culture in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has been working with venues, stakeholders, artists and entrepreneurs from across the country to help them stay on their feet and open safety this summer.
She commented:
“COVID-19 has been particularly tough for entertainment businesses and artists who have been unable to open their doors and perform.
“These grassroots venues are so important to the local community and residents, but also attract visitors from across the globe.
“We have been working incredibly hard to ensure that their doors can reopen safely this summer, and I am really pleased that this funding will help this happen.”
This support is on top of the £500 million in grants being delivered to cultural organisations in emergency funding by Arts Council England, who are still accepting applications until 4th September. Emergency grants of up to £80 000 will cover on-going running costs incurred during closure.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:
“This Government is here for culture and these grants today show we are determined to help our exceptional music industry weather the Covid storm and come back stronger.
“Grassroots music venues are where the magic starts and these emergency grants from our £1.57 billion fund will ensure these music venues survive to create the Adeles and Ed Sheerans of the future.
I encourage music fans to help do their bit by supporting music and cultural events as they start to get going again. We need a collective effort to help the things we love through Covid.”