Policy review : cultural policy responses to COVID-19 in the UK [version 1, Oct 2020]

This policy review looks at governmental cultural policy responses to the Covid-19 pandemic across the UK and reflects on how these measures might shape the future of the cultural sector. The key findings reveal the differences in the approach of the four nations, with Westminster signalling a focus on maintaining national institutions and organisations, whereas, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and to an extent Wales, have focused on supporting individuals. The review shows there is emerging evidence that the crisis has exacerbated inequalities within both the cultural sector and wider society. It also finds that the majority of cultural policy decision-making has centred on economic relief for certain parts of the sector. However, both the Scottish and Welsh Governments are increasingly turning to policies that look to the future, beyond the immediate Covid-19 crisis, to integrate culture with wellbeing and with the health and education sectors.