Strode Theatre in Street has cautiously welcomed the announcement today (July 6) from the government that it is putting £1.57 billion of funding into the arts.

The theatre has not set a specific date for reopening yet, and is still concerned about the wider arts ecology despite the funding pledge.

In the announcement from the government, thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

Robin Peters, Strode Theatre's manager, said: "It could be great news - I'm relieved at least that the government seem to be listening.

"Venues like Strode have a vital role to play in bringing our communities back together, but we can't do it alone.

"Almost everything at Strode happens with the support of freelancers - technicians, projectionists, producers, artists and makers - who do not seem to be supported with this package.

"So while I welcome support for our venues, I'm worried about the wider arts ecology.

"As always, the devil will be in the detail - Strode has fallen between the stalls of some emergency funding schemes already since March. My hope is that this round of support will be more tailored.

"As for opening, we do not have firm plans yet and we're not aiming for a specific date. A timeline will hopefully emerge as part of this rescue package."

Decisions on awards will be made by the government working alongside expert independent figures from the sector including the Arts Council England and other specialist bodies such as Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

Repayable finance will be issued on terms tailored for cultural institutions to ensure they are affordable. Further details will be set out when the scheme opens for applications in the coming weeks.

Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, said: "Our arts and culture are the soul of our nation.

"They make our country great and are the lynchpin of our world-beating and fast growing creative industries.

"I understand the grave challenges the arts face and we must protect and preserve all we can for future generations.

"Today we are announcing a huge support package of immediate funding to tackle the funding crisis they face.

"I said we would not let the arts down, and this massive investment shows our level of commitment."