£ 5.25million Winter Stability Culture Fund made available to Wales

The Welsh government is making £ 5.25million available to support independent arts organizations, museums, libraries and cinemas in Wales during the winter months, the Deputy Arts Minister announced today and Sports, Dawn Bowden.

They say the purpose of this fund is to support organizations that are in real trouble – at risk of closing or losing jobs – unless additional support is provided. This risk must be the direct result of the continued impact of Covid-19.

The new fund will provide essential support to organizations in these cultural sectors across Wales, many of which are run on a voluntary or non-profit basis. This is in addition to the £ 60million fund announced by the Prime Minister to help businesses affected by the new restrictions.

The fund, which will cover the period from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, opens applications on Wednesday January 12, 2022 and applicants must have submitted an online application by Wednesday January 26, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the latest.

Deputy Arts and Sports Minister Dawn Bowden said: “The Covid pandemic has been a difficult time for all of us. Despite commendable innovation and resilience, the people and organizations that make our cultural sector so vibrant and economically stable have been severely affected by the pandemic.

“The Welsh government has made substantial support available to ensure the sites avoid permanent closure. I am happy that the support we have made available has had a very positive impact on the sector, but we know that the sector continues to face new pressures, which is why we are making this additional funding available.

“As many organizations are affected by COVID-19, it is important that funds are given to those who need it most. This fund is a question of survival, it is not a question of compensating for temporarily reduced profits. We therefore ask you to think carefully about the need to apply for this fund.

Arts Council of Wales Chairman Phil George said: “With this fund, the Arts Council will continue to provide essential support to ensure the viability and survival of cultural organizations in Wales which are facing challenges. a time of serious financial challenges.

“By working alongside colleagues in the Welsh government, we are determined to ensure that arts and cultural organizations that play a key role in the well-being of communities across Wales can bring solace, joy and vision then that we are fighting the pandemic and recovering. and rebuild.