UK

The Creative Industries Council released their 2020 list of 100 Ones to Watch in Createch which includes Culture Diary members 59 Productions and Marshmallow Laser Feast.

The ‘Ones to Watch’ 100 identifies UK-based Createch pioneers based across the UK working in creative disciplines from visual effects to fashion, design to digital theatre, animation to advertising. 

The National Gallery will be the first national gallery to open its doors to the public since COVID-19 lockdown in the UK began to be eased. The London institution will reopen on Wednesday 8 July. 

The Culture Diary intends to update this page with opening dates of cultural venues in the UK as they are announced. Contact us at info@theculturediary.com with details of your plans to reopen or hold new events.

Museums and Galleries

GREAT Inspirations celebrates some of the many UK businesses that have done extraordinary things during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From now until 14 July, you'll see stories of more than 100 incredible businesses, organisations and individuals that will be celebrated through the campaign. It will be used across GREAT’s domestic and international network which including 145 countries.

You can see all of the featured businesses here.

Arts Council England (ACE) has now completed awarding funds for its first two Emergency Response Funds: for Individuals, and for Organisations (outside the National Portfolio). The key achievements include:

Manchester International Festival (MIF) has announced Virtual Factory, a new series of artistic commissions inviting artists to create online and digital work that responds to The Factory, the landmark cultural space currently under construction, which will be MIF’s permanent home. 

Government and independent organisations have published guidance on reopening various sectors with the arts, culture and creative industries. Links to guidance resources are below and will be updated as more information becomes available:

New guidance for reopening of museums, galleries and the heritage sector (GOV.UK)

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has been given a special funding package from the Scottish Government to help the festival survive its cancellation this year. 

A £1 million interest-free loan has been granted to the Fringe Society, which is the charity that oversees the annual performance festival. It will also receive £249,000 in grants from the City of Edinburgh Council (£100,000) and the Scottish government’s relief fund for businesses deemed vital to the country’s economy (£149,000). The £1 million loan will be repaid by the Fringe Society over six years.

Season for Change, led by Julie’s Bicycle and Artsadmin, has launched an open call for UK-based artists underrepresented in climate conversations. Four artists will be chosen that fit the criteria each to be awarded £10,000 for their commissions. 

Season for Change is a nationwide programme of artistic and cultural events that celebrate the environment and inspire urgent climate action. Throughout 2020, Season for Change will build towards a live programme of creative work and amplified campaign in spring 2021.

Southbank Centre is offering 'Art by Post' which brings free poetry and visual arts activities to the people who are most isolated by the current social distancing measures. The activities are designed for older adults living with dementia and other chronic health conditions.

If you sign up to take part, you’ll receive Art by Post creative booklets which arrive through your letterbox or straight to your email inbox. Through a series of exercises, you’ll be inspired to be more artistic and feed your imagination.