Report shows success of Culture Recovery Fund

A new independent report has shown that the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund, distributed by the Arts Council and other arms-length bodies, was efficiently delivered and helped to support nearly 220,000 jobs.

The report, led by Ecorys, shows that the Culture Recovery Fund increased the income of the organisations it supported by 140% during the pandemic.  This allowed organisations to not only survive but also continue engaging with their audiences in new and innovative ways that addressed the challenges of lockdowns and isolation.

The Arts Council provided nearly 6000 grants from the Culture Recovery Fund, with a total value of nearly £900million, alongside 37 loans totalling £255million.  By supporting cultural organisations directly, the Culture Recovery Fund also allowed organisations to continue employing staff and freelancers directly, as well as supporting jobs in the businesses that form the cultural sector’s supply chain. 

Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England said “The Government’s Culture Recovery Fund was an unprecedented investment in the cultural life of our country.  Its support for cultural organisations across the country helped to preserve the vital infrastructure of our cultural economy, and put the sector in a stronger position to face the challenges of the post-pandemic world.  We are extremely grateful for this support, which shows that the Government recognises the unique contribution that culture makes to our communities, economy and national life.”

Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said “The pandemic posed a huge threat to much-loved cultural institutions right across the country and the government took decisive action to shield them from the worst effects of lockdown.

Once restrictions eased, it was fantastic to see this unprecedented investment prove its worth as theatres, music venues, museums, galleries and other venues sprung back to life, helping to bring us all back together doing the things we love.

This report demonstrates that the scheme was effective in achieving its goal of safeguarding both organisations and jobs and I am delighted with the positive impact it had.”