The UK government announced it will give nearly $2 billion to help the country's arts industry. The money will help theatres, concert halls, galleries, museums and other cultural venues. It will help people who have had a hard time during the coronavirus. These include actors, writers, composers, make-up artists and support staff. The government said the money is, "the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture". It added that the cash is a, "lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic". It will help them while their doors are closed.
The UK is world famous for its arts. People everywhere know and love cultural icons like Shakespeare and The Beatles. Britain's theatres, museums and galleries attract millions of tourists. The government said: "From iconic theatre and musicals, exhibitions at our world-class galleries, to gigs in local basement venues, the UK's cultural industry is the beating heart of this country." It added: "Our arts and culture are the soul of our nation. They make our country great and are the centre of our world-beating and fast growing creative industries." The money will protect the future of the arts.