SUPPORT for the arts during the coronavirus pandemic might be late – but it could be a lifeline, arts professionals in Swindon say.

Culture, media and sport secretary Oliver Dowden announced a £1.57bn package of support for the industry on Sunday as fears grew theatres and music venues would just be allowed to go to the wall.

While the details of how the money is to be allocated and distributed are not yet known, the move has been welcomed.

Mark Powell runs Prime Theatre, which works with young people.

He said: “I’m glad the support has been announced.

“It has come to late for some, with closures and redundancies announced, but for those of us who are still going it gives hope that we’ll be able to carry on.”

There had been concerns senior government and Treasury figures hadn’t felt the need to support the arts sector.

Mr Powell said: “This is a recognition that the GDP contribution of the arts is actually greater than that of farming – and more people go to theatre shows than go to Premier League football games.”

He pointed out that during lockdown people relied on TV and films, music, books and other art to keep themselves both entertained and active.

He added: “It’s not just about being passively entertained. Arts organisations are about getting people involved and able to actively engage with the arts. It allows people to be creative in their own lives, and that’s very good for them

“It’s not just entertainment – it's empowerment, education and aspiration, which is very important in Swindon.”

Mr Powell added: "This should come as a wake-up call to some arts organisations. If the communities they are based in think they are a luxury, they need to reframe the way they are talking to them about the arts.”

Reach Inclusive Arts works with people with disabilities and mental health difficulties.

Operations manager Yvonne Chamberlain said: “The arts are an essential part of all our lives. This has never been more apparent than during this crisis and lockdown in particular.

"Many people have found comfort and diversion in art forms like craft, books and films. However, we have all been reminded that humans naturally crave the company of like-minded people.

“We are all missing live entertainment and experiences that we share together. The announcement that the government is going to direct some monies towards the arts is of course welcome but it has been very slow coming."

“The last few months have placed a great strain on many people’s mental health. Engagement in artistic activity offers new criteria for satisfaction and achievement which can be uniquely effective in helping relieve anxiety."

"Reach Inclusive Arts has been working in Swindon for more than 30 years organising art and drama for people with disabilities and mental health issues.

"Returning to business is going to present many challenges but we are determined to maintain our offer to our participants. The arts will need significant financial aid to sustain, but it is vital that they do so and thrive for all our sakes. We need the arts now more than ever.”