China News Service, July 6th, according to foreign media reports, the British Prime Minister Johnson said on the 5th that in order to help the cultural and arts institutions that have stalled due to the new crown virus pandemic and blockade measures, they will provide them with 1.57 billion pounds of funds. This is the largest investment ever made by the British government in the cultural field.
Figure: Local time on October 22, 2013, London, England, the British National Theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary. Queen Elizabeth II attended the celebration.
Although museums and cinemas in the UK can be reopened with strict social distances, there are still regulations that do not allow live performances in theaters or concert halls. This has caused a survival crisis for most companies in the art industry. They have been calling for support from the government.
Johnson said: "From iconic plays and musicals, to fascinating exhibitions in world-class galleries, to performances in underground venues, the British cultural industry is the beating heart of the country."
Johnson said in a statement: "This funding will protect the industry for future generations. Although there are currently no performance opportunities, we will ensure that British art groups and theaters can continue to be maintained."
The statement said that the British government will provide emergency grants and loans to support British museums, art galleries, theaters, independent cinemas, cultural sites and music venues.
The Labor Party considers the assistance "too little and too late", and a senior Conservative MP said the plan will only provide temporary help, but the art world is still encouraged.
Composer and theatre manager Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals have been staged in the West End for decades, he said: “At a time when so many theatres, orchestras, entertainment venues and other art organizations are facing bleak prospects , This news is really welcome."