Liverpool Concert Hall ‘praises’ council for support during pandemic
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is one of the city’s most iconic venues.
Despite the impacts of COVID-19 putting a temporary stop to live performances, the concert hall is powering through.
Rachel Gaston, Head of Communications and External Affairs, says: “We have been well supported by the council and the government and are very grateful for this.”
She adds: “This includes support from Arts Council England, the Culture Recovery Fund, Liverpool City Council, donors such as the Garfield Weston Foundation and our supporters.”
“It was this combined support which encouraged us to push ahead with re-opening (temporarily) in October and has really shown us how much our work matters to people.
“Audiences are a part of the Liverpool Philharmonic family and feel the sense of community when they attend performances.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences back as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Like most venues, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic got creative and found ways to bring their live shows to people at home.
The venue has hosted nine ‘On Demand’ concerts which audiences have been able to purchase and watch at home.
A statement from Culture Liverpool says: “Liverpool is renowned for its rich cultural offer, from museums and galleries to festivals of all shapes and sizes.”
“It also has a huge economic impact, and is a key driver in the city’s visitor economy, now worth over £3.3 billion each year and supporting 38,000 jobs.
“In these unprecedented times it’s vital the sector is safeguarded. That’s why Arts Council England has created an emergency fund worth £160 million to support people and organisations affected by Covid-19.
“The pressure on the sector can already be felt as cultural organisations across the city and beyond have been forced to close their doors and popular events have been cancelled or postponed.”
All museums, galleries, arts organisations, theatres, music venues, artists and freelancers are urged to seek support from this fund.
Live shows are set to resume from 17 May.
