The intention is that the country's cultural events should be organized outdoors or with sufficient social distance thanks to the assistance when society slowly opens up again.

Recipients are everything from large West End theaters, opera houses and ballet companies to small venues in the country.

"I want all of our cultural institutions to be able to return to normal," UK Culture Minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News.

Important for tourism

The support is said to be the largest payment to culture in the history of the UK. The cultural industry is regarded as a significant export industry in the country and is also important for tourism.

The decision comes a few days after 1,500 artists in a call demanded state support to save the live music industry. Among the artists who have written are Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher and PJ Harvey.