Love Local: Time Out pledges support for local food, drink and culture
We’re backing independent businesses by lending our voice to crucial local campaigns in 14 cities
Hi everyone,
Back in March, Time Out changed its name to Time In. All over the world, people were suddenly asked to stay indoors to protect themselves and others. Now lockdowns are being relaxed in many countries – but it’s becoming clear that social distancing in some form will be with us for the long run, and that spells danger for the places that make city life worth living.
Our editors have been seeking out the best of city life since 1968. We know that our cities are nothing without their restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, theatres, music venues, nightclubs, cinemas, art galleries – and all the other local, independently run places where people come together to eat, drink, laugh, think, create, cut loose and fall in love.
If we don’t take action right now, countless places like this will have to close their doors for ever. Many venues, already struggling to pay their bills, face a total collapse in footfall or a huge bill to adapt to social distancing. And millions of bartenders, waiters, cooks, artists, musicians, actors, filmmakers, designers and other creatives and makers have been left unable to earn a living.
We’re determined to help. That’s why, today, we’re launching our Love Local campaign by officially lending our voice to 16 crucial campaigns that are fighting to support local food, drink, culture and entertainment in cities worldwide:
New York: Roar (Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants) New York and Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
Los Angeles: LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund
Boston: Relief for Our Friends in Hospitality
Montreal: Montreal Restaurant Workers Relief Fund
London: Hospitality Union #NationalTimeOut and Culture at Risk Business Support Fund
Madrid: Volveremos Si Tú Vuelves
Paris: Collectif RALIMENT
Singapore: #savefnbsg
Hong Kong: #savehkfnb
Sydney: Keep Our Venues Alive
Melbourne: Support Act
The causes we’re backing are already doing incredible work. We’re proud to support them as they raise funds, spread the word and lobby decision-makers to support the local spots that keep our cities’ lifeblood pumping, and make sure as many as possible can reopen. We’re urging all our readers (that’s you!) to check out their local campaign and lend a hand, whether it’s by donating money, signing a petition or simply telling a friend.
Then follow us on Facebook and Instagram to hear how we’ll be stepping up our campaign over the coming weeks. As cities come back to life one by one, we’ll be supporting their local independent venues with fundraising, new Time Out Recommended badges and a dedicated day of celebration.
And finally, to the businesses going through a tough time right now: know that we’re with you. And when you return, we’ll be first in line.
Caroline McGinn
Editor-in-Chief
Time Out