The Government has announced a £3.36million fund, to save grass roots music venues and arts and media centres at immediate risk of closure. Local MP Kemi Badenoch welcomes the funding which includes £19,500 to help Fairycroft House in Saffron Walden.
The fund is providing vital support to 135 music venues, which otherwise would face collapse due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Accelerated funding is being provided to cover on-going running costs incurred during closure, including rent and utilities, so that some of the country’s most treasured venues can survive.
This support is on top of the £500 million in grants being delivered to cultural organisation by Arts Council England, who are still accepting applications until 4 September. All this funding forms part of an unprecedented £1.57bn rescue package for culture and heritage from the Government to see these sectors through the coronavirus pandemic.
Indoor performances can now restart with socially distanced audiences, so music venues are now able to reopen safely, alongside other culture venues and heritage sites. Mrs Badenoch is encouraging everyone to visit reopened venues and support cultural organisations starting to put performances back on.
Mrs Badenoch welcomed the announcement:
“I welcome this essential funding being given to support the arts in Saffron Walden, which really shows that this Government recognises the importance of culture.
“Arts and media centres like Fairycroft House are a vital part of our local music scene and provide aspiring musicians with an important source of income and offers residents the opportunity to hear from great musical talent. Fairycroft House is being supported by the Government because it is vital to our vibrant music industry, as well as being a local community hub.
“I hope residents will support local cultural organisations offering COVID-19 secure performances, museums and galleries that reopen during this unprecedented time.”
