THE government support package for Britain’s arts sector was branded “too little, too late” by opposition politicians and industry experts today with many venues facing financial collapse. 

The lifeline for the arts sector, which looks set to be disrupted for some time by the coronavirus crisis, will see £1.57 billion pumped into the industry in the coming months. 

Guidance for a phased return of performing arts events has not yet been published and some theatres, museums and music venues across the country are at risk of permanent closure for lack of revenue, which would lead to all the staff being made redundant. 

Ministers have claimed that the money “represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture” and will help struggling institutions “stay afloat while their doors are closed.”

But there has been widespread criticism of the plans and calls for more to be done to ensure that cultural projects and venues are not lost forever.

Labour’s shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens said that while she welcomed the “much-needed” cash injection, it was “too little, too late” for many of the intended recipients. She also called for an extension of the furlough scheme. 

Ms Stevens said: “The government needs to ensure that this vital funding gets to those theatres and other organisations currently teetering on the brink and fast, especially those across the towns and small cities where live performance venues and other arts organisations are so valuable to local economies, providing many interdependent jobs, particularly in hospitality.”

Actors’ union Equity general secretary Christine Payne said that the plans provide “meaningful investment” that will protect arts venues and infrastructure, but she added that it is important that funds reach workers in the industry.

The aid package also includes funding for the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland (£33 million), Scotland (£9m) and Wales (£59m).

Scottish Labour MSP Claire Baker said: “Additional support for the cultural sector is badly needed, so we need clarity as a matter of urgency on how this money will be rolled out to venues, performers and staff and assurances that grassroots music venues as well as freelancers and the self-employed are also supported.

“It is vital that this funding is used to help retain as many jobs as possible, and so that venues do not find themselves forced to close as we start our recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.”