A SURVEY has been launched into the impact of the coronavirus on the arts and creative industry in Cornwall.
Florence MacDonald, who is the Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, is concerned that the virus could have a major impact on individual artists and performers as well as venues across Cornwall.
She said: ’Cornwall has a thriving creative industry which supports a huge employment base - including a large number of self-employed businesses, artists and freelancers.
’As a music teacher, I am lucky to have a secure and regular income during this crisis, but there are friends, businesses, events and venues in Cornwall that I do not want to see disappear as a result of Covid-19.
’I am increasingly concerned about both the lack of recognition and support for the creative industries right now, and the long-term impact on jobs in the creative industries that often involve close contact, audiences and crowds, if government support is reduced, but restrictions on numbers of people and distancing remain.
’I am hoping to use this survey to find out the common barriers to support, the biggest challenges facing people, and what would be the best support to prevent the arts in Cornwall from suffering. ’Please be as honest and specific as you can, as this will help us to know what we need to campaign for at both Cornwall Council level and Government level.’
The survey can be found at: https://www.crhlibdems.org.uk/creativeindustry and is open to anyone who is involved in arts and the creative industries in Cornwall.