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<p>This Government recognises how severely regional theatres, and the Arts sector
in general, have been hit by the COVID-19 crisis.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>That
is why, in order to support the sustainability of the Arts sector, including regional
theatres, DCMS has worked closely with Arts Council England (ACE) to provide a tailored
package of financial support. In March, ACE announced a £160m emergency response package
to complement the financial measures already announced by the Government and to ensure
immediate resilience of this vital sector. This package includes £140 million of support
for artistic organisations including regional theatres; and £20 million of financial
support for individuals, including self-employed theatre practitioners, so they can
better sustain themselves, and their work, in the coming months.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>On
23 June, the Prime Minister also announced that from 4 July theatres will be able
to reopen for rehearsal, pre-production and broadcast, although not yet for live performance
with an audience. I believe that this, alongside the work that we are doing with representatives
of the entertainment and events industry to develop supporting guidance, represents
the first steps in the roadmap to recovery for our nations’ theatres.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>The Secretary of State, Minister for Digital and Culture, and officials
continue to consult the Arts sector extensively to ensure we fully understand the
financial impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the sector. On the basis of that engagement,
DCMS and ACE are continuing to work closely to consider the additional measures that
are needed to ensure the long-term recovery and growth of the cultural sector, including
regional theatres and theatre practitioners.</p><p> </p>
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