SCR MUSIC BOARD: THE CULTURAL SECTOR CAN BE THE CATALYST FOR THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Published 5 March 2021 at 12:46pm

In response the to Chancellor’s Budget, Vice Chair of the Sheffield City Region Music Board Frank Wilkes said:

“We welcome further support for the cultural and creative sectors through the extension of the Cultural Recovery Fund and the additional support for the newly self-employed, who make up a large proportion of creative and cultural sector in the region.

“But it is very disappointing not to see a Government backed insurance scheme, as effectively delivered for the film and television industry, to support the recovery of festivals and tours forced to cancel due to the pandemic.

“We welcome the extension to the furlough scheme which has been a lifeline for so many arts and cultural organisations, including tourist attractions. But there has been very little detail on support available beyond the autumn.

“We will see the detail for support for the self-employed in the coming days, and we will continue to lobby for support for festivals, venues and those who are unsupported by any Government intervention – of whom there are many.

“It is important to realise that the creative and cultural sector can be the catalyst for the country’s economic recovery, but that will require sustained support and investment at local, regional and national level and can only happen if there is a safety net for those planning shows and festivals in line with the roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions.”

Find out more about the SCR Music Board.