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Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans. 

The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic. Funding to restart paused projects will also help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.  

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company – which attracts visitors and events to the region – commented:

“The £1.57 billion funding announced by Government will be music to the ears of the cultural sector, and those who support it. This industry plays a vital role in the West Midlands’ economic recovery. Our cultural and heritage organisations help to attract and retain visitors who then spend in our hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions – contributing significantly to the £12.6 billion that tourists spend in the West Midlands each year. 

“It is culture, heritage and the arts that represent a destination’s unique sense of place and purpose. Our theatres, museums, music venues and heritage sites demonstrate how the West Midlands is like no other location – which helps us to attract visitors, businesses and investment here. The Government has recognised the importance of this dynamic industry; not only for its own GVA and employment levels, but also its valuable role in supporting growth across the whole economy.”

For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/157-billion-investment-to-protect-britains-world-class-cultural-arts-and-heritage-institutions.
 

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