West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has been supporting local arts organisations as the industry attempts to re-start after the Covid-19 shutdown.

The Government has confirmed an emergency fund worth £1.57 billion to help culture and heritage organisations to protect jobs and plan for the recovery as more and more venues are able to re-open.

Accelerated funding is being provided to cover on-going running costs incurred during closure, including rent and utilities, so that some of the country’s most treasured venues can survive.

This support is on top of the £500 million in grants being delivered to cultural organisations by Arts Council England, who are still accepting applications until 4 September.

During the lockdown, Harriett spoke to a number of local employers in the sector and has this week written to the Arts Council supporting a bid from Malvern Theatres for emergency funds.

She has also worked closely with other venues offering her support and advice as the sector deals with the implications of shutdown.

Harriett said: “The arts sector has been particularly hard hit by this terrible virus and although some cinemas and outdoor venues are able to start operating again large-scale indoor productions in front of full houses still seem a long way off.

“I’ve chatted to a number of local employers and pointed our local venues to funding sources including this latest emergency package to try and help to protect our heritage through the coming months.

“This is a very difficult time for people employed in the arts sector and I welcome the Government’s decisive steps to help offer venues as much support as possible.”