Everyone is champing at the bit for the freedom that means we can get out visiting our favourite places, but also think about supporting those on your doorstep.
No-one can have missed the impact of a global pandemic on the arts and heritage sector in the UK. Any venue that relied on visitors has essentially had a year wiped off their business plans.
Many of the big names will have the resources to survive or the ability to restructure and reset, but spare a thought for the thousands of small venues and attractions that are surviving on a shoestring.
Securing funds
The Government's Culture Recovery Fund has been a lifesaver for many, proving them with money to enable them to invest in their futures, but they all still need visitors.
And for others, there has been no funding and they are surviving on very little with the hope that recovery will come and people will return.
Research from The Art Fund found six in 10 museums, galleries and historic houses were worried about their own survival and the charity recenty launched a fund to support the heritage sector -https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55747804
But we can all play a part. We do need to visit the big, showpiece visitor attractions - they do need our support - but we should also consider the small heritage places on our doorstep. You probably don't even know they're there, but there are - in the middle of town centres.
The gift of money and time
These places don't attract huge numbers of visits and they can't always afford to open full-time, but they are often some fantastic experiences to uncover in small museums, heritage and small-farm attractions.
Small amounts money can make a big difference to these places and if you've become one of the six million accidental savers -https://www.ftadviser.com/pensions/2021/03/04/covid-crisis-creates-6m-accidental-savers/ - think about using a little to support your local museum.
If money is tight, which it is for so many people, consider volunteering your time to help. Those few hours could enable an attraction to open its doors rather than remaining closed.
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