To ask the Minister for Communities for her assessment of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on artistic institutions, organisations and communities, and to outline the anticipated long term repercussions.

I recognise the significant challenges that are being faced across the arts sector as we seek to tackle COVID-19. Restrictions on gatherings and the need for social distancing have impacted on practice, performance and the development of talent, and on the financial position of individuals and organisations across the arts and the wider creative and heritage sectors.

I have established the Culture, Arts & Heritage Taskforce to advise on, among other things, how those sectors might be supported while the restrictions continue and as they ease. That work will include the nature of further support that might be required for the individuals and organisations impacted by the restrictions across the arts and heritage. I have welcomed the recent allocation of an additional £13m from the Executive to support the sector going forward, and the Taskforce will have an important role to play in informing how this funding could be directed.