Arts Council England have announced a £160million emergency fund for cultural organisations, freelancers, and venues across the UK that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The emergency fund has been announced after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the closure of all venues and shops across the UK aside from places that sell food and medical products.

Many grassroots music venues and creative freelancers have fallen into a more difficult financial position following the restrictions, with many venues worried that they may not open their doors again once the pandemic is over.

The UK government are yet to address their plan to support those that are self-employed, and have been criticised for the lack of information addressing the financial support for creative and cultural industries.

As BBC reports, the support package will set aside £20million for individuals (grants of up to £2,500 each), £90million for the 828 organisations under the National Portfolio Organisations, and £50million will be set aside for organisations outside the National Portfolio.

The first payments are expected to be made in six weeks. The £160million support package has been funded by diverting funds from National Lottery project grants and development funds, as well as from emergency reserves.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Emergency Response Package for #Covid19 crisis. Today we're announcing £160 million of investment for people and organisations in the cultural sector. Supporting you the best we can during this crisis remains our No.1 Priority: https://t.co/XTnQvtkFbn — Arts Council England (@ace_national) March 24, 2020

Arts Council England chair Sir Nicholas Serota says, "Covid-19 is having an impact globally, far beyond the cultural sector - but our responsibility is to sustain our sector as best we can, so that artists and organisations can continue to nourish the imagination of people across the country, both during the crisis and in the period of recovery."

He adds, "None of us can hope to weather this storm alone, but by working together in partnership, I believe we can emerge the stronger, with ideas shared, new ways of working, and new relationships forged at the local, national and even international level."

Last week, a new virtual pint fundraiser was launched which allows people to buy virtual drinks as a donation to independent venues and Music Venue Trust.