The Lexington is "still in serious peril" after receiving less than 40% of funding they applied for

13 October 2020, 14:12 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

The Lexington music venue in London has warned that they're "still in serious peril" after receiving under 40% of the funding they applied for in round one of the UK government's Cultural Recovery Fund.

Yesterday (12 October), Arts Council England announced the first round of distribution for the UK government's £1.57billion Cultural Recovery Fund.

Although Music Venue Trust welcomed the funding, saying it was a "huge step forward in the efforts to reopen every venue safely", The Lexington in London has revealed that their future is still at risk, after receiving less than 40% of the funding that they applied for.

The Lexington wrote in a post on Facebook, "Like many grassroots music venues this week we’re happy to announce that we secured funding from Arts Council England's Cultural Recovery Fund. These funds will go some way in mitigating the financial damage and debt accumulated over the last seven months of closure."

"Unfortunately, we were awarded under 40% of the funding we applied for, one of only a small number of GMVs who received a lesser amount than needed to ensure recovery and survival," the post continues. "It goes without saying, but without the vital work and direct help of the Music Venue Trust we would likely have received nothing, indeed there would probably be no fund for venues like ours to access."

The London music venue adds, "Whilst the funding received is welcome and we’re delighted to see friends and colleagues across the industry receive a vital lifeline, from our perspective the recovery of the venue and the long term survival of our staff and freelancers is still in serious peril. It is only with our dedicated team that we can continue to provide opportunities to thousands of artists at the earliest stages of their careers and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the venue and the people who make it what it is can survive this crisis."

Before signing off, The Lexington reveals they will be working with Music Venue Trust to "work out a way to meet this funding shortfall and secure our long-term future."

Like many grassroots music venues this week we’re happy to announce that we secured funding from Arts Council England's...
Posted by The Lexington on Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Yesterday's £257million instalment of the Cultural Recovery Fund has been distributed between 1,385 venues, theatres, museums and cultural organisations. Visit artscouncil.org.uk for the full list.