London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a £2.3m Culture at Risk Business Support Fund. to aid struggling entertainment venues in the capital during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lockdown has hit this sector particularly hard, especially queer venues which are often run by small business owners on thin margins, and Kahn has partnered with the LGBTQ+ Venues Forum to dedicate £225,000 to support up to 56 LGBT+ venues.
The rest of the fund is split between the Music Venue Trust, supporting grassroots music venues; the Creative Land Trust, supporting tenants of 200 artist studios workspaces and the BFI to help up to 25 of London’s independent cinemas.
Khan said: ‘The coronavirus outbreak is having a significant impact on every aspect of life in London, and that includes our culture, creative industries and night time economy.
‘These industries are so important to the fabric of our city during the day and night, and they will play a key role in helping us to recover from this public health crisis.’
DJ Ritu, DJ and broadcaster, said: ‘I’m delighted the mayor is supporting London’s LGBTQ+ venues through his business support fund. These venues provide a welcoming space to the community as well as employment for hundreds of people. They also support a diverse ecosystem of talent, which includes promoters, DJs and performers. By accessing this support, venues stand a fighting chance of securing their future and ensuring that they will be able to open their doors again soon.’
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