Welsh Government Extends Cultural Recovery Funds
The Welsh Government is setting aside an additional £30 million to support Wales’ cultural sector through the ongoing pandemic. The funds will be delivered by the Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales and local authorities.
The Cultural Recovery Fund, which launched last summer, provided £63.3 million in 2020-21 to support theatres, music venues, heritage sites, events, museums, libraries, galleries, independent cinemas and freelancers.
It was made up of three main elements:
- The Arts Council for Wales administered funding of more than £18 million to support 170 organisations, supporting national and local theatres and art galleries. More than 1,000 jobs have been supported.
- The Freelancers Fund provided a total of £18 million of grant support to 3,500 freelancers who have been unable to work during the pandemic and are considered vital to the Wales’ cultural recovery.
- The Welsh Government-administered element provided £27 million to support the culture, creative, events and heritage sectors. More than 500 organisations received funding.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said:
‘We recognise the unprecedented challenges the pandemic is having on the cultural fabric of Welsh life and we applaud the resilience and creativity on show.
‘. . . we have listened and worked with the cultural and creative sectors to put this additional package of support in place and I’m certain it will provide welcome relief, as well as building blocks for the future.’
The new funds will open for applications from 6 April 2021 and be delivered jointly by the Welsh Government, Arts Council of Wales and local authorities.
