Cultural Recovery Fund extended

Up to £30m to support Wales’ diverse culture sector through the ongoing pandemic has been announced by the Welsh Government.

The fund will be delivered jointly by the Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales and local authorities.

The Cultural Recovery Fund, launched last summer, provided £63.3m 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 £18m to support 170 organisations, supporting national and local theatres and art galleries. More than 1,000 jobs have been supported.

The Freelancers Fund was the first of its kind in the UK and has provided a total of £18m of grant support to 3,500 freelancers who have been unable to work during the pandemic and will be vital to the Wales’ cultural recovery.

The Welsh Government-administered element of the fund provided £27m 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 all want to be back in theatres, cinemas and our local gig venues and galleries as soon as possible, but we must stay patient. We have been honest and realistic with people in Wales from the outset, rather than painting the most optimistic picture we can.

 “With that in mind 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 and be delivered jointly by the Welsh Government, Arts Council of Wales and local authorities.