London’s culture, creative industries and night time businesses are vital for our economy and identity. They will play a central role in accelerating our recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic – but they need support now to ensure they can restart in the future.

The coronavirus has had a devastating effect on London’s culture and night life, with countless cancellations and closures. That’s why the Mayor of London has launched the £2.3m Culture at Risk business support fund - a targeted emergency fund to help some of the most at-risk small businesses.

There is £150,000 to the BFI to help up to 25 of London’s treasured independent cinemas, administered by Film Hub London via the BFI FAN Covid-19 Resilience Fund which is currently open for applications until 6 May.

Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said:

“London’s independent cinemas make a significant contribution to the capital’s cultural and economic life. With support from Film Hub London these cinemas regularly engage a wide-ranging audience with diverse programmes and it’s vital that we support them to open their doors again when the time is right and that continued connections are in place with the local communities they serve.

This fund acknowledges the importance of London's independent cinemas for the role they play in the UK launch and release of British and independent films, which make them such a vital part of the economic ecosystem of the Industry, as well as community hubs where Londoners can come together and celebrate stories that reflect our lives on screen. Together with the Mayor of London and the BFI we must ensure that they are still here when these difficult times are over.”

For more information on the Mayor of London’s Culture at Risk Office, visit their website.