Recommendation 5

HM Government Acknowledged

Regarding concerns raised around gaps in support for the creative industry, we recognise the significant challenges posed by the pandemic to our arts and creative sectors. The Government is committed to supporting our world-leading cultural and creative industries, which is why creative professionals have been able to access a range of pan-economy schemes and business support grants, with details on further support for the sector announced as part of the 2021 Spring Budget Statement. This includes pan-economy schemes such as the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) mentioned above. To increase specific support, £300 million of additional funding has also been awarded for 2021/22 as part of the Culture Recovery Fund (CRF), to continue to support key cultural organisations and ensure a vibrant future for the sector as the nation recovers from the pandemic. This funding is an extension of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund announced in 2020/21, which has to date awarded over £1.2 billion to over 5,000 individual organisations and sites, including theatres, museums, heritage sites, festivals and music venues. Additionally, the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme which so far has supported more than 300 productions across the UK, protecting around 30,000 jobs and £1 billion of production spend, has also been extended for an additional six months until December 2021. This will ensure that we can support the continued recovery of this high-growth sector. The Government has also provided £300 million to continue to support sports clubs and governing bodies through the Sport Recovery Package. Outside of the Culture Recovery Fund, the Arts Council England has also provided over £51 million of awards to individuals through other funds in the financial year 2020/21 alone. This includes: £17.1 million distributed through the Emergency Response Fund for individuals, £21.1 million awarded directly to individuals through Arts Council’s Project Grants fund, over £6 million provided to benevolent funds to offer direct awards to individuals, and over £7 million which has been distributed through the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund, aiding individuals with their creative development.