Statement from AIF CEO Paul Reed on the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund

06 April 2021 - Press release

 

"I can confirm that 70% of AIF members who applied for a grant in the second round of the Government's Culture Recovery Fund have been offered funding. This amounts to over £5.5m in this round with an average grant of almost £126,000. 62% of the total amount applied for has been offered, with 78% of successful applicants offered 100% of what they applied for.  

"71% of members were awarded a grant in the first round of the CRF. This amounts to over £11m across both rounds and 58 successful applications. We thank the Treasury, DCMS and Arts Council England for this lifeline, and for investing in some of this summer’s independent festivals, enabling them to survive and continue planning in the short term.

"AIF worked tirelessly to ensure that festivals were eligible for the fund in the first place, and to support and service members at every step - sharing information, engaging funding specialists, organising online sessions and working around the clock to support applications. 

"This latest government support is invaluable. However, as with the first round, it is important to note that this money did not reach the entire sector, that it will only support some festivals until the end of June and that hurdles remain before festivals are able to plan with confidence - not least the absence of a government intervention on insurance. It is also critically important that the Events Research Programme explores challenges and mitigations around all types of events including festivals."