Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 29 May 2020
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it will make available to the arts and culture sector to allow for adaptions to be implemented to allow social distancing to be observed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Scottish Government in collaboration with Creative Scotland have acted very swiftly in putting measures in place to support the sector and we are looking ahead to its safe restart.
The arts and culture sector is exploring ways to bring people together whilst ensuring safety, artistic integrity and economic viability. Many things need to be considered – particularly how physical distancing can be accommodated by performing arts organisations and within venues. We will continue to discuss with the sector looking ahead to guidance on re-opening and will consider potential support measures. As I mentioned to the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee on 21 May I cannot yet comment on what the measures and resources could be, but these will be kept under consideration.