Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support for Artists
It’s no secret that coronavirus has turned the entire world upside down. Its impact on the entertainment industry is no exception to that rule.
With several events being postponed or cancelled, as a result of social distancing, musicians across the globe have been hit hard by the potential loss of income; leading many to fall on hard times.
Recognising that many of our readers may fall in that category or be closely connected to those that do we’ve put together a list of resources that we hope you’ll find helpful. We’ll be updating as and when we come across new information that we deem helpful.
Please note the following information is for artists based in the UK
This article will:
- Tell you where to check for the latest advice on Coronavirus
- Highlight funding options that you may be eligible to apply for
- Recommending other organisations who may be able to offer support
The latest advice on Coronavirus
The following are great sources of information that are updated at regular intervals:
- The Government
- The NHS
- The World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Public Health Wales
- Health Protection Scotland
- The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland
What are my funding options?
We have highlighted a list of potential sources of funds some of which are country-specific.
Before we get into that it’s important to let you know that the government recently launched an income support scheme for freelancers and the self-employed, which could make you eligible for a taxable grant of up to £2,500 a month from June onwards. Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance could also be an option for you to consider.
Covid-19 funding options
UPDATE: Help Musicians has reopened its hardship fund
Further info here: https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/news/latest-news/advice-relating-to-coronavirus-covid-19
Musicians’ Union (MU) Coronavirus Hardship Fund
- This fund is open to any full rate member who is a UK resident suffering hardship resulting from a loss of work due to coronavirus.
- Successful applicants will receive a one-off payment of £200.
- The application form can be found here .
- PRS members who have earned at least £500 in PRS royalties within the last years and have been members for at least two years, who are suffering genuine hardship through loss of work can apply for a grant of up to £1000 each.
- The application can be found here
The Film and TV Charity COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
- This Fund has been created in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) for composers for film, TV, and cinema facing significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
- Successful applicants will receive a one-off grant from £500 to £2,500.
- You can read the Fund’s Guidance form here before making an application.
- The application form can be found here
WALES
SCOTLAND
- Covid-19 Scottish Government Business helpline
- Bridging Bursary Fund – applicants who meet the eligibility criteria should complete the online request form
- Creative Scotland Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development – more information can be found on the Creative Scotland website.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Further grants that you may be eligible to apply for: https://www.grantsonline.org.uk/coronavirus.html
Other originations that may be able to help
FINANCIAL ADVICE
Music specific
- Self employed musicians: financial advice (Covid-19)
- Musicians’ Union
- The Royal Society of Musicians
- PRS Members’ Fund
Entertainment specific
Theatre specific
For the self employed
For Freelancers
Legal / business advice
MUSICIAN UNION HAS CREATED A VARIETY OF ARTICLES OF ANOTHER BUSINESS AND LEGAL TOPICS RELATING TO CORONAVIRUS WHICH YOU CAN FIND BELOW:
CONTRACTUAL ISSUES AND INCOME LOSS
WORKING IN THEATRE
ADVICE IN RESPONSE TO CLOSURE OF WEST END AND REGIONAL THEATRES
TEACHING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
INSURANCE
MU FUTURE LIVE PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS –
This is a particularly helpful resource if you have a gig that has been rescheduled. It lists three important things to look out for in rescheduled gig contracts
UK Music has also put together a list of music education resources for home schooling, class teaching and more which you can find here: www.ukmusic.org/skills-academy/resources/music-education-resources
HEALTH ADVICE
HELP MUSICIANS
- www.helpmusicians.org.uk/news/latest-news/advice-relating-to-coronavirus-covid-19
- help@helpmusicians.org.uk
- 0207 239 9101
The Health and Welfare team offers structured support to professional musicians in times of personal crisis. This includes financial assistance for health interventions and access to music specialist health assessments for performance related health issues.
BAPAM
- www.bapam.org.uk/
- 020 7404 8444
- (call to arrange an appointment; 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
BAPAM is a specialist healthcare charity giving medical advice to performing arts professionals and students.
MUSIC MINDS MATTER
A free, confidential, around the clock helpline run by Help Musicians for the entire music industry.
MUSIC SUPPORT
A helpline for anyone in the music industry suffering from alcoholism, addiction, emotional or mental health issues.
ISM
A 24-hour helpline for ISM members. Counselling (telephone and face to face) can also be arranged through the support line.
MIND
For urgent help and support as well as advice on how to support others.
Additional helpful articles:
CORONAVIRUS AND YOUR WELLBEING
MUSIC INDUSTRY THERAPISTS & COACHES