Opera North Director Welcome Government Rescues

Richard Mantle, General Director of Opera North, has welcomed the £1.58 billion pound emergency support package announced by Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The support package is an attempt to protect the futures of theatres, galleries and museums although, Says Mr Downden, "(the package) will not be enough to save every job".

"grants and loans would aim to preserve 'crown jewels' in the arts sector, and many local venues."

In response, Richard Mantle said earlier today:

"The announcement of the government's rescue package will be welcomed by all in the cultural sector. For our ensembles, staff and visiting artists, who have continued to work with tenacity and invention in the face of great uncertainty, this substantial pledge will come as a vote of confidence and a recognition of how vital the arts will be to the country's recovery.

We await the detail of the proposals but thank all those who have worked tirelessly from across our industry, the DCMS and Treasury to create this package of support."