Ms Angela Dorgan:

I agree with the Deputy. I have never read so many books or watched so many brilliant plays or gigs online. The specific question on the venues is one for the Department. I am not aware of the full criteria.

There is a music industry stimulus package. My company, First Music Contact, is running a pilot and there is also a live pilot. These pilots run until the end of December 2020. They will be reviewed before funding. I understand the music industry stimulus package will have funding available next year, as will the live event pilot. I can say that anecdotally - on a personal level rather than a campaign group level - commercial bands applied for resources. Since First Music Contact is the resource organisation for the popular music sector, I know bands have sought help from us. It was open to people who would bring together a venue and a band. I believe all of that will be up for review after the pilot, which ends in December.