THE ARTS LEFT IN LIMBO

FURTHER restrictions would be a disaster for theatres and live music, say experts.

A year of lockdown has already cost those sectors around £1billion each in lost ticket sales, according to Mail estimates based on pre-Covid figures.

Caroline Norbury, chief executive of the Creative Industries Federation, said the pandemic has had a ‘devastating impact’ on those reliant on audiences.

She added: ‘Without additional support in place, any further restrictions have the potential to exacerbate this even further.

‘We are calling for a government-backed insurance scheme for live events, as well as other measures to enable our sector to get through this uncertain time.’

In 2018, theatre generated ticket revenues of £1.28billion – and in 2019 live music brought in around £1.3billion.

Now the performing arts world is awaiting results of the Government’s pilot events next month and in May to trial the idea of crowds with no social distancing.

Elsewhere, a recent survey by Art Fund – the national charity for art – found six in ten museums and galleries are worried about their survival. During 2018, museums generated more than £1.1billion for the economy.

Meanwhile, cinemas have lost an estimated £2billion in ticket revenue plus income from food and drink, screen advertising and private hire since March 2020, according to Phil Clapp, chief executive of UK Cinema Association.

However, thanks to the Government’s support from the furlough scheme, the business rates ‘holiday’ and VAT discount available to UK cinemas, he expects the ‘overwhelming majority’ of cinemas will be able to reopen once allowed in May.