The UK arts industry has been warning the ministry that they will face an "irreversible cultural catastrophe without targeted support" through either grants or donations, and ministers announced a generous package that will protect the future of the UK's museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Playwright James Graham has spoken out about the arts' need for investment, and acknowledged that the grant was "more than most people in the arts had dared dream of."
“Let’s drill down into the detail but my first reaction is absolute relief and gratitude,” Graham said. “I think it is a surprisingly ambitious package, especially when you compare it to some of our European neighbours. If this package is as ambitious as it looks, then conversations within our sector will now need to turn to what our recovery might look like in terms of protecting any gains made in recent years over inclusion, representation and diversity, and how this support can reach who need it most, particularly outside of London.”