Offer more support to the arts (particularly Theatres and Music) amidst COVID-19
The Parliament petitions site records 179,699 signatures for this petition, which closed on 15 December 2020. The Government responded on 20 July 2020. MPs debated it in Westminster Hall on 25 June 2020.
The petition
The petition's creator is not named in the Petitions site's published record. Quoted in full from the UK Parliament petitions site.
Offer more support to the arts (particularly Theatres and Music) amidst COVID-19
As we pass the COVID-19 Peak, the Government should: State where the Theatres and Arts fit in the Coronavrius recovery Roadmap, Create a tailor made financial support mechanism for the Arts sector & Clarify how Social Distancing will affect arts spaces like Theatres and Concert Venues.
In their plan to restart the economy, the government has addressed hospitality sectors such as restaurants and cinemas. They've stated how the sports will be resumed after the lockdown period. But there has been no mention of the arts. On 13 May Robert Jenrick was directly asked to pledge to protect this industry, which could be without income longer than other sectors, but he failed to give a clear answer. This further shows how the arts are being overlooked. The Govt must show more support for arts.
The Government's response
The Government published its response on 20 July 2020. Its summary:
HMG announced a £1.57 billion package for cultural organisations. From 11/7 outdoor performances are allowed. From 1/8, indoor performances to live audiences can restart, subject to success of pilots.
The opening 391 words of the 568-word response:
The Government recognises the huge contribution the arts and cultural sector makes, not only to the economy and international reputation of the United Kingdom, but also to the wellbeing and enrichment of its people.
We appreciate that this is an incredibly challenging time and that there are many cultural organisations and professionals who are currently facing difficult and uncertain circumstances. We are very alert to this issue, and are working to find solutions that support this vital sector as the lockdown eases.
On 5 July, the government announced a major £1.57 billion support package for cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. Culture and Heritage are at the heart of communities across the country, enriching the lives of millions, and this financial investment is testament to the role this sector plays in our lives.
This funding will prioritise institutions of national and international significance and those that are crucial to the valuable cultural fabric to places and communities and down the country. In order to receive support, organisations will need to demonstrate that they are at risk in this financial year and have done all they can to exhaust other options.This fund will support organisations through to the Spring of 2021.
Key organisations in England will be able to apply for grants or loans, with loans being offered on generous terms, with low rates, an up-front repayment holiday, and long payback period.
Grant funding will be delivered through Arts Council England, Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the British Film Institute to support cultural and heritage organisations at risk, including publicly-funded and non-publicly-funded arts, museums and heritage organisations, music venues and independent cinemas. Details of guidance and application phases will be set out by Arms Length Bodies in due course. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/157-billion-investment-to-protect-britains-world-class-cultural-arts-and-heritage-institutions.
In addition, the Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport recently revealed a five stage roadmap that the government will work through to get the performing arts sectors back up and running as soon as possible:
Stage One - Rehearsal and training (no audiences)
Stage Two - Performances for broadcast and recording purposes
Stage Three - Performances outdoors with an audience and pilots for indoor performances with a limited socially-distanced audience
Stage Four - Performances allowed indoors and outdoors (but with a limited socially-distanced audience indoors)
Read the full response on the petitions site.
Where the signatures came from
Signatures came from 650 constituencies on the boundaries used until the 2024 general election. The largest number, 1,337, came from Hornsey and Wood Green.
178,265 of the signatures were from the UK and 1,434 from elsewhere, by the location signers gave.
| Constituency | Signatures |
|---|---|
| Hornsey and Wood Green | 1,337 |
| Lewisham, Deptford | 1,073 |
| Dulwich and West Norwood | 1,020 |
| Streatham | 962 |
| Lewisham West and Penge | 947 |
| Islington North | 901 |
| Tooting | 867 |
| Vauxhall | 859 |
| Greenwich and Woolwich | 840 |
| Ealing Central and Acton | 830 |
| Region | Signatures |
|---|---|
| London | 38,077 |
| South East | 28,539 |
| North West | 17,020 |
| East of England | 16,560 |
| South West | 14,715 |
| West Midlands | 13,192 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 11,395 |
| East Midlands | 10,152 |
| Scotland | 10,110 |
| Wales | 8,073 |
| North East | 5,205 |
| Northern Ireland | 1,634 |
Debate in Parliament
MPs debated the petition in Westminster Hall on 25 June 2020. Read the debate in Hansard.
Source and receipt
- https://petition.parliament.uk/archived/petitions/320711.jsonUK Parliament Petitions API · read 2026-10-15 · SHA-256
b6ce270ff6b2f2f6… - The petition on petition.parliament.uk
The petition's words are its creator's and the response is the Government's; this site quotes both and gives no view on either. Signature counts can still change while a petition is open. To report an error, send a correction request.