On Thursday, an e-mail from Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, announced that it was pausing media communications and reviewing existing deadlines for funding applications pending further information regarding arrangements for the period of public mourning.
In a subsequent update, it shared that it will continue to make and share funding decisions but will not be making public announcements.
It also shared the Government’s guidance document The Demise of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance.
Whilst providing general direction for museums, galleries, and entertainment events, the five-page document also details that cancellation of events is at the discretion of organisers, though closing venues on the day of the State Funeral may be considered as a mark of respect.
It goes onto say that events taking place on the day of the State Funeral should be reviewed in terms of timing to avoid clashes with the service and processions. Organisers may also wish to include a period of silence, the National Anthem and, where appropriate for instance players at sporting events, wearing of black armbands.
It goes on to suggest that public event organisers may wish to review their communications content and use black banners or margins on their web pages.