As the UK deals with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we know that there will be tough times ahead for people and organisations in the cultural heritage sector.
Icon remains committed to supporting our members and all those working in conservation whose lives and livelihoods will be affected by the pandemic. We want to support them at this challenging time and also ensure that our cultural heritage continues to be cared for and looked after for the benefit of individuals, communities and the nation, now and in the future.
Whilst strongly supporting the social distancing and self-isolation measures put in place, we are also aware that these vital restrictions are already having a serious impact on the cultural heritage sector that relies on income from audiences and visitors, has public engagement and participation at its core and is supported by a significant number of freelancers. Livelihoods, jobs, institutions and their collections are currently at high risk.
We welcome the steps and measures already taken by the UK Government to mitigate the impact of social distancing and isolation measures. It is imperative that further help and assistance is made available for the conservation sector so that it can continue to support the economy, society and nation.
Even when restrictions are lifted once the Coronavirus crisis is under control, the negative impact of current mitigation measures will still be felt across the sector. The conservation profession will therefore require ongoing support so that it is able to recover and, indeed, thrive in the future. Icon looks forward to continuing to work closely with our members, partners across the sector, as well as colleagues across Government to support the cultural heritage sector during and after this crisis.
Read the full statement here.
Icon and its members would like to note that we are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of the NHS staff and we admire their courage and fortitude at this challenging time. We offer our sincere thanks to every individual who is working to care for others during the Coronavirus crisis.
