Of all the entertainment and hospitality businesses hit by the first COVID-19 lockdown, dance venues have suffered more than most, having to shut their doors since March, with no certainty of reopening again.
This has affected not just the clubbing business but also its clientele. When club goers and others launched the Let Us Dance petition, the Government responded by saying that more than £257 million had been awarded to various ‘cultural organisations’ via the Arts Council’s Culture Recovery Fund. But how much of that went to dance venues and is it enough anyway?
Clubbing is a huge part of youth culture and should be treated as if it is as important as, for example, the arts and restaurants. Dance venues have acted as a cultural hub for the dance community and have helped launch the careers of internationally renowned DJs who have helped the UK economy. Last year, the night-time economy was the fifth biggest industry in the UK. Now due to lack of financial support through the COVID crisis, many dance venues have to fend for themselves and could collapse.
And jobs are disappearing too. According to a survey carried out by Night Time Industries Association, of the 800 pubs, nightclubs and other hospitality venues approached, 91% said that the Job Support Scheme would not be enough to help them retain their current workforce.
DJs and musicians are also being badly affected by the lack of anywhere to perform. DJ Ryan in an interview with the BBC said, “It’s upsetting because you spend your whole life working towards playing to people. Entertaining, making memories for people – I’m genuinely scared for the future of our industry.”
Allowing dance venues to reopen fully may not be possible for now, but for as long as they can’t open then they need support as much as museums and art galleries do. The government shouldn’t let these businesses collapse under its eyes, because they are a vital contributor to our economy, culture and society.
