Save Our Arts and Culture Industry

It is common knowledge that many industries have suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has sent the country into various stages of lockdown over a seven-month period.

One of industries the that is currently still in the danger zone is the arts and culture business. Since COVID-19 hit, there has been no live shows, concerts or venues in normal capacities which has hit the theatres and venues hard.

The arts and culture industry has grown £390million in a just year and now contributes £10.8billion a year to the UK economy. The sector contributes £2.8billion a year to the Treasury via taxation, and generates a further £23billion a year and 363,700 jobs. This proves the value of this trade in the economy, showing how much music, art and theatre is needed across the country.

There are currently 556 music venues at risk of closure, and 30 flagship theatres also at risk. Many artists, actors, sound production and various other positions are suffering due to the lack of work available and audiences to perform to.

A report written by OffWestEnd is estimating that a total loss of income after lockdown restrictions are lifting will equal a staggering £7.6m for the 100 venues it has included within its report, should they stage work at reduced Photograph / Music Venue Trust

capacity levels of 50%. This figure is in addition to the £13.3m already lost by those venues during March to September.

Many musicians have started crowd-funders in order to continue their careers, and Central Tickets donation page has raised almost £50,000 in 37 days by 1547 supporters since its creation. Central Tickets is an agency based in London and their fundraiser aim is to keep the venues ticking over until the Government make a decision to reopen these places.

Another crusader of the arts industry is charity Music Venue Trust, who have created the #saveourvenues to secure grassroots music venues in order to keep them from shutting. They have created a website to connect artists with venues close to them, and create virtual events in order to raise money to help all venues across the network.

It is a unique and clever idea for supporters to still get their virtual concert fix and artists being able to play to some form of audience, while still benefiting the venues that are missing out on the action.

So wherever you are in the UK, get online and support your local artists and venues to keep one of the most successful and creative industries alive during one of the weirdest times in history. Abbie Meehan