Cultural sector GVA down £8bn last year

Figures from DCMS show an £8bn loss in gross value added by the cultural sector in 2020 compared with 2019.

The sector added nearly £25bn to the UK's economy last year despite the pressures of the pandemic. 

GVA fell sharply to £1.57bn in April compared to in February when the sector's economic value was still comparable to 2019 at £2.8bn.

Figures from January and February suggest the sector was on track to meet if not surpass its 2019 GVA of £33.9bn before much activity was halted due to Covid-19.