MP backs funding for arts and culture sector

Ochil and South Perthshire MP John Nicolson has welcomed ‘necessary’ arts and culture funding after weeks of pressure from creative communities.

It comes after the UK government announced a £1.57 billion support package to help protect the futures of theatres, galleries and museums.

In Monday’s daily briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the pledge of £ 97 million to Scotland’s cultural sector and assured the arts, culture, and heritage sectors that the funding would be passed to them in full.

The grants and loans are expected go a long way to preserving “crown jewel” venues in Perth and Kinross and beyond.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Nicolson said: “Films and books have brought great comfort to so many of us during the lockdown.

“And all of us are conscious how tough these months have been for our galleries, museums, and theatres deprived of visitors for so long.

“Some have already gone into liquidation.

“After weeks of pressure from the arts and culture communities, I am glad the UK government has finally understood that it needed to step in.

“And so the announcement of emergency funding is welcome and will offer a temporary reprieve after months of confusion and stress.

“We are still unsure how this money will be divided across the sector and clarity from the UK government will be key.

“We need to know how much will go to the many freelance creatives who slipped through the SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme net.”