Forced to close in late March, many cultural institutions of Albion was on the verge of bankruptcy. To prevent “irreversible cultural catastrophe,” predicting that for the past weeks, the government will allocate more than 1.5 billion pounds (1.88 billion dollars), writes The Guardian. The funds will be directed on support of theatres, museums, galleries and music centers, that will be the largest single investment in the British culture. Playwright James Graham, previously fiercely defended the need for financial aid, noticed that the amount has surpassed the most courageous expectations.
Thus, 270 million and 880 million pounds will be distributed between cultural institutions in the format of loans and government grants, respectively. 120 million pounds will go to the resumption of suspended during the pandemic construction of projects related to cultural heritage and infrastructure. Institutions dealing with cultural heritage, will receive 100 million pounds as the target support. The remaining funds will be distributed between the countries of the United Kingdom: 97 million pounds to get Scotland, 59 million pounds – Wales, 33 million pounds – Northern Ireland.
Many cultural figures, among them the artistic Director of London’s Royal court theatre Vicky Featherstone, the theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, artistic Director of English national ballet Tamara Rojo, finally vital cultural institutions funding. Everyone can’t wait to get back to work and to welcome the first spectators after the pandemic.
Some, however, the new measures are already out of season: in early July, the Nuffield theatre in Southampton (Southampton Nuffield Theatres (NST), which existed since 1964, announced the closure. Without work there were 86 employees. Alas, this is just one case. Shadow Minister of digitalization, culture, media and sport, Joe Stevens in his microblog on Twitter said that measures should be taken before. And direct financial assistance, primarily in small towns where theatres and concert halls provide jobs.
Why British artists are so necessary this support? In France, Germany, Italy or Belgium, where the art somehow is subsidized by the state, theatres and museums can survive, despite the reduction in ticket sales. In the UK, however, public funding plays a much smaller role, and cultural institutions have come to rely on commercial income. And because the British model was not ready for the circumstances in which simply no visitors.
By the way, the European countries, where the cultural life is gradually returning to normal, ��at least actively support the arts industry. In early June, the Commissioner of the German government for culture and media Monika Gruetters reported that the German government has allocated 1 billion euros to support cultural institutions. And the President of France Emmanuel macron announced that all cultural workers who lost their jobs during a pandemic, will receive support under the program for employment until August 2021.
In the UK begin work to the museums. The Victoria and albert Museum, science Museum and natural history Museum announced plans for a phased opening. Their doors they will open on 6 August, 19 August and 5 August, respectively.
the Museums located close to each other in South Kensington, will work on different days to avoid the load on public transport. In addition, you will need to book in advance the visit. The Director of the natural history Museum Michael Dixon, shared with The Guardian that the number of visitors will be limited: to examine the exposure will be around 2.8 thousand people a day. This represents about a fifth of the usual attendance.
the Administration of museums strongly advises visitors to wear a mask. However, miss without it.
