New £7.1 million fund announced to support arts venues and independent museums in Scotland

An additional £7.1 million to secure the future of as many grassroots music venues and independent museums as possible has been announced by Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop.

The next phase of the Grassroots Music Venue Stabilisation Fund will provide £4 million to live music venues that were financially sustainable before coronavirus (COVID-19) to prevent permanent closure and stabilise businesses until April 2021.

Meanwhile, the Museums Recovery and Resilience Fund will receive an extra £3.1 million to meet demand. This funding will help secure the future of Scottish independent museums put at risk by the pandemic and protect the vital role they play in communities.

This funding is part of the £185 million package of targeted COVID-19 support announced by the Scottish Government earlier this month.

Ms Hyslop said: “Culture and heritage are vitally important to all of our lives in Scotland, at this time more than ever.

“This additional funding for grassroots music venues and independent museums will build on previous support provided to reach as many people as possible. I do believe these funds will make a marked difference in ensuring our culture and heritage sectors survive the pandemic.

“We will continue to listen to the needs of the sector and do everything within our powers to support them through this crisis.”

Beverley Whitrick, Strategic Director at Music Venue Trust said: “We have worked closely with the Scottish Government on the funding required to sustain grassroots music venues across Scotland. We are delighted that further support is forthcoming to secure these vital cultural spaces through until the spring.”

JP McGivney at Bridge Street Social, Aberdeen, said: “The first round for funding for Grassroots Music Venues was essential for us, and it was targeted to last only a short time. As restrictions have not eased, it became clear we would need further support to prevent permanent closure, so news of a second phase of this fund is very welcome.”

Scotland’s cultural sector has been hit hard by coronavirus and the extra funding will help businesses and venues in the New Year.