Law Firm Calls For Continued Efforts In Safeguarding The Nation’s Culture For The Future

As a second national lockdown gets underway, lawyers at a national law firm is continuing to support grassroots projects, calling for the nation’s cultural and artistic venues not to be forgotten.

The introduction of a four week lockdown in response to the increase in coronavirus cases has led to the re-introduction of the furlough scheme and support for businesses. Irwin Mitchell say while this is welcome, more needs to be done to ensure the long term survival of the nation’s cultural and artistic industries.

Laura Harper, a partner and specialist advisor to the creative industries has called on government and businesses who can support culture in the community to help ensure the survival of some of our best loved venues.

The government’s Culture Recovery Fund has already awarded more than £257m in grants to local arts projects throughout the country, covering music, museums, dance and the arts to help protect some of the most deserving causes and ensure they survive lockdown. Venues supported by the fund include the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the Leeds Theatre Trust, the North Music trust in Gateshead and many more.

The government has also recognised the need to offer support to smaller venues, with £50,000 donations to visual arts projects in London, niche theatres in the South West and music projects in the North East.

Recent regional projects Irwin Mitchell has been involved in, include assisting Manchester based Band on the Wall’s efforts to secure the survival of grassroots music venues across the country and the ongoing access partnership with Leeds Playhouse.