Written question WQ84307
- Asked by
- Tom GiffardConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Economy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Minister provide an update as to which local authorities have applied for the cultural services fund, and any details of the projects that they have applied for?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip
The Cultural Service Fund for Local Government 2020-21 was created as part of the £53m Wales Cultural Recovery Fund announced in July 2020. The fund has supported local authority museums, archives, libraries, cinemas and heritage attractions across Wales to respond to service development needs emerging from COVID-19.
A total of 48 grants were awarded through the Fund, representing a final investment of over £1.6m in the local authority sector. Funding of over £880k was also provided in lieu of loss of income and distributed through the Local Government Hardship Fund.
I am happy to report that this funding benefitted all local authorities in Wales, whether through individual service support or as part of wider regional and national initiatives. Grant awards covered a range of activity, with a notable focus on digital developments and infrastructure to support remote access and widen online engagement with services and resources, and building work and equipment to enable the resumption of on-site access and build visitor confidence.
An independent evaluation of the Cultural Recovery Fund 2020-21 is due to report in spring 2022, and will include an analysis of the funding provided through the Cultural Service Fund for Local Government 2020-21. Further information can be provided once this report is available.