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<p>The Government has been “Here for Culture” throughout the pandemic, and, as we
emerge from it, we know that the public will want to be there, too. As our performance
venues reopen, we will encourage people to get out there and support them, and we
will continue to provide guidance to ensure venues are safe for the public.</p><p
/> <p>DCMS has been working closely with the performing arts sectors to ensure that
they are ready for reopening. The government published the roadmap on 22 February,
which sets out a step-by-step plan to ease restrictions in England cautiously. The
design of the roadmap has been informed by the latest scientific evidence and seeks
a balance between our key social and economic priorities, whilst preserving the health
and safety of the country. The scientific evidence shows that opening too early or
too quickly risks a further lockdown.</p><p>Over the spring, the Government will run
a scientific Events Research Programme. This will include a series of pilots using
enhanced testing approaches and other measures to run events with larger crowd sizes
and reduced social distancing to evaluate the scientific outcomes.</p><p>Government
recognises the significant financial impact of Covid 19 on the performing arts sector
and venues. In light of this, the Government is investing an unprecedented £1.57 billion
support package for the culture sector, of which over £1 billion has now been allocated,
including £800 million to almost 3,800 arts and culture organisations across the country.
This includes the many theatres and performing arts venues, which have been supported
through this funding. On 4 March, the Chancellor announced £300 million additional
funding for the CRF, to continue to support key cultural organisations as audiences
begin to return.</p><p>The first round of the Culture Recovery Fund supported the
sector to survive the immediate impact of the pandemic, whilst the second is supported
organisations to transition from the challenging months of lockdowns and social distancing
to welcoming audiences and visitors back to the country’s theatres, museums, cinemas,
music venues and heritage sites.</p><p> </p>
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