The UK will give nearly $2 billion to help the country's arts industry. The money will help theatres, concert halls, galleries, museums and other venues. It will help actors, writers, composers, make-up artists and support staff out of work because of the coronavirus. The money is, "the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture". The cash is a, "lifeline to vital cultural…organisations…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 its cultural icons. They attract millions of tourists. The government said theatre, musicals, exhibitions and "gigs in local basement venues" make the cultural industry "the beating heart" of the UK. 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."