‘More clarity needed’ on £1.57bn arts and heritage bailout

Leeds City Council’s leader says more detail is needed on the Government’s announcement that £1.57bn will be made available to help Britain’s arts, culture and heritage industries tackle the impact of Coronavirus.

Councillor Judith Blake, who is also executive member for culture, said while she welcomed the news, clarity is required on how funding will be allocated.

She has urged the Government to consider the widest definition to ensure organisations can benefit equally.

Leeds has a large arts and culture sector, ranging from individual artists to nationally renowned museums and arts organisations.

The broader creative industries provides for over 22,000 full time equivalent jobs, with a GVA contribution approaching £2bn in Leeds.

Blake said it is important that local authorities responsible for running museums and venues are themselves eligible for support, alongside the independent sector.

And she warned: “I know that many cultural organisations will not be able to take on additional loans as they won’t have a way of raising the additional income for repayment. We look forward to seeing what the criteria are for the grants.

“The impact that the culture and arts sector in Leeds has on people of all ages in Leeds and the huge contribution it makes to the Leeds economy simply cannot be underestimated.

“This ranges across economic, social, educational and health outcomes and in addition is central to our place-based regeneration and to city-marketing.

“As a council we are committed to ensuring everything is being done to support these vitally important sectors through this unprecedented time.”