Rayfield Allied has been recognised in the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including Rayfield Allied in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.
Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:
“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced. Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.
Ben Rayfield, Managing Director of Rayfield Allied, said:
"We are very grateful to the DCMS and Arts Council England for recognising the importance of our work in providing vital support to our incredible roster of clients. The past year has been extremely difficult for those clients, the vast majority of whom are freelancers, and the resilience and creativity they have shown has been truly inspiring. The wonderful team at Rayfield Allied, despite working under significantly reduced circumstances, has striven to continue to provide those clients with support and advice at a time when they have needed it more than ever. A grant will allow us to increase that support so that, as our clients return to opera houses and concert halls, they will have the best possible chance of thriving once more."
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:
“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work. We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”
The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.