The Welsh Government is making £15.4m available to support the country’s arts and cultural sector during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The additional support, which is part of the 3rd round of the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund and includes the previously announced Winter Stability Fund of £5.25 million, will specifically support organisations impacted by the recent COVID-19 alert level 2 measures put in place.
The Arts Council of Wales launched its application process for organisations within the arts sector on Wednesday 12th January 2022. Grants of up to £100,000 are available, with a deadline for applications of Wednesday 26 January 2022.
Other impacted sectors including music venues, heritage sites, event venues and organisers, independent local museums, community and independent libraries, galleries and independent cinemas, which were previously supported via the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund will be contacted by letter from 18 January 2022 with details on how they can access funding support.
There will also be support for eligible business and organisations that have not received support via the Cultural Recovery Fund to date. More information will be available on the Business Wales website.
This third round builds on the previous two phases of the Cultural Recovery Fund which have provided £93m and has supported business, organisations and individuals in the key cultural sectors.
To be eligible, businesses will have to self-declare that they have experienced a material impact through reduced turnover between December 2021 and February 2022.
The Welsh Government is also looking to increase the support available to the creative freelance community in the performing arts. More details will be provided during the week commencing Monday 18 January 2022..
The Chair of the Arts Council of Wales, Phil George, said:
“Through this fund the Arts Council will continue to provide essential support to ensure the viability and survival of cultural organisations across Wales who are facing a period of serious financial challenge.
“Working alongside colleagues in Welsh Government, we are determined to ensure that arts and cultural organisations who play a key role in the wellbeing of communities across Wales will be able to bring solace, delight and vision as we struggle with the pandemic and as we recover and rebuild. The need for this support has obviously become even more urgent as a result of the impact of the Omicron variant.”
Further information about Round 3 of the Cultural Recovery Fund can be found on the Arts Council of Wales website.
Source: UK Fundraising