Here are a range of useful resources for the creative industries from Arts Connect via Severn Arts to help with the current Covid-19 situation. They are split in to four key areas. Some.
- Funding Information & Advice Information
- Guidance & Resources
- Commissions & Competitions
- Health & Wellbeing
Funding Information & Advice
Arts Council England Launch £160m Covid-19 Emergency Funding – Arts Council England (ACE) has announced a £160 million funding package to help individuals and organisations working in the cultural sector during the Covid-19 crisis. The funding has come available from reallocation of National Lottery Project Grants, Developing Your Creative Practice and their Development Funds for the 2020-21 period – https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19 for more information.
ACE Diversity and our emergency response – https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/blog/diversity-and-our-emergency-response
a-n The Artists Information Company – This fund provides financial support for artists and arts organisers who work in a self-employed capacity to support the production of exhibitions and art work. This includes (but is not limited to) self-employed art handlers, technicians, art installers, conservators and restorers, and those who help other artists in the production of their work a-n fund
Dance Professionals Fund – This fund provides financial support for professional dancers. Support is given to freelance dancers across genres including contemporary, ballet, hip hop, Black and Asian dance, including those with portfolio careers, eg choreography, as long as their primary role has been performing. Dance Professionals fund
Equity Charitable Trust – Criteria include professional actors, circus, aerialists, puppeteers or variety performers, and stage managers. Please note that an applicant’s line of work must make them eligible for an Equity card, although they are not required to have one in order to apply. It excludes musicians, drama students, backstage staff and amateur performers. Equity Charitable Trust
Help Musicians – Professional music performers, composers, creators and those working in other roles requiring a high level of technical skill (teachers, producers, engineers, etc) across all music sectors including, but not limited to, classical, folk, jazz, world, and all contemporary music genres (pop, hip hop, grime, Americana, heavy metal etc). Help Musicians UK
Outdoor Arts UK – This fund will support freelancers who are particularly affected by the seasonal nature of their work, making the vast majority of their annual income in the summer months. This includes, but is not limited to, those identifying as professional and/or specialist artists (eg dedicated street performers, aerialists, stilt artists, project directors) and technicians (eg riggers, projectionists, pyrotechnicians, specialist designers and makers). This also includes outdoor programmers and bookers, technical and production staff, volunteer managers, participation and engagement leaders Outdoor Arts UK
The Theatrical Guild – This fund supports: any kind of stage technician or engineer; company and stage managers; stagehands; anyone involved in costume, hair or makeup; designers and makers of sets, props and puppets; and ushers or box office staff. The Theatrical Guild
Society of Authors – Those eligible for this funding include storytellers, scriptwriters, literary journalists, producers, poets, translators and book illustrators. Society of Authors
Cause4 and Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy: help in the pandemic – As you may have seen in the last couple of weeks, Cause4 and Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy have been putting in place programmes to help charities and arts organisations amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic – https://artsfundraising.org.uk/news/arts-fundraising-philanthropy-responses-covid-19
Fundraising Communications Advice: Cause4 CEO Michelle Wright has written advice for arts organisations on communications strategies, published in Arts Professional. This advice covers how to maximise fundraising in an appropriate way, during and beyond the crisis. Read it here.
CAF Launches Coronavirus Emergency Fund for Small Charities in UK – https://www.cafonline.org/about-us/media-office-news/caf-launches-emergency-fund-to-support-charities-through-coronavirus-crisis
Heritage Emergency Fund launches to help sector – https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/news/heritage-emergency-fund-launches-help-sector
Heart of England Community Foundation Coronavirus Resilience Fund – Constituted groups based in the West Midlands can apply for grants of up to £1,500 to help those most affected get the support that they need. https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/coronavirus-resilience-fund/
West Midlands Artists Coronavirus Emergency Fund to provide hardship funds for freelance West Midlands artists who are in desperate need and who fall through the gaps of support – https://www.gofundme.com/f/WM-artists-coronavirus-fund
UFI Charitable Trust (UK) VocTech Now – provides grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 to support vocational learning providers to rapidly transition to remote teaching and training and deliver accessible learning at a time of significant change. https://www.ufi.co.uk/voctech-now-guidelines
Advice on financial concerns for sector workers – https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-guidance-for-artists-and-arts-organisers/
HMRC have launched a helpline – To help businesses and the self-employed concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tax-helpline-to-support-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19
GOV.UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance for employees, employers and businesses. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
GRANTfinder is closely monitoring all the relevant news about the Coronavirus COVID-19 and the consequences for the funding landscape. The GRANTfinder news section will keep you updated on which funds and extra support have been announced to counteract the impact of the outbreak. Please go to www.grantfinder.co.uk/coronavirus
Martin Lewis – “I’m making £1m available to fund urgent small-charity coronavirus poverty relief I’m making £1m available to fund urgent small-charity coronavirus poverty relief” https://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2020/03/i-m-making-p1m-available-to-fund-urgent-small-charity-coronaviru/
Support for Theatre Professionals – From UKT all the various benevolent funds in one place – https://theatresupport.info/
Citizens Advice – Coronavirus – what it means for you – Paying your bills: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/
The Money Advice Service – Coronavirus – what it means for you and what you’re entitled to: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you
Step Change – Debt and Coronavirus: https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/coronavirus-affecting-finances.aspx
Coronavirus and employment Advice on employment, benefits and finances to support young creatives through Coronavirus – https://www.createjobslondon.org/coronavirus-support
Over 250 funding streams listed to support individuals, charities and small businesses – https://charityexcellence.co.uk
Radiocentre has launched a Coronavirus hub for advice – https://www.radiocentre.org/coronavirus/
NCVO have put together guides for what you need to do to prepare CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS – https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/coronavirus/contingency-planning-and-financial-implications
The National Lottery Community Fund – Our funding during COVID-19 – https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/press-releases/2020-04-03/our-funding-during-covid-19
Civil Society – What funding is available to charities during the Covid-19 pandemic – https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/voices/what-funding-is-available-to-charities-during-covid-19-pandemic.html#sthash.Nv9FdfiX.dpuf
Association of Independent Museums – Coronavirus Resources – ACE & NLHF Funding – https://www.aim-museums.co.uk/coronavirus-resources-funding/
PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund – supporting artists, songwriters and composers to create and develop when they need it most. https://prsfoundation.com/funding-support/funding-music-creators/all-career-levels/sustaining-creativity-fund/
The Prince’s Trust and NatWest Enterprise Relief Fund – The £5million Enterprise Relief Fund will offer grants to 18 to 30-year olds across the UK who are self-employed and/or running their own business. In conjunction with cash grants, the initiative will offer one-to-one support and guidance to anyone who needs it and who may be worried about their future. https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/coronavirus-response/enterprise-relief-fund
Arts Connect – Please follow for a collection of links and resources to key trusted sites to provide guidance and advice for freelancers during the current Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic – https://www.artsconnect.co.uk/covid-19-support-freelancers/
Information, Guidance & Resources
BBC Bitesize – Daily lessons coming soon beginning Monday 20th April – BBC Bitesize will publish daily online lessons for all ages. We’ll also have a new dedicated TV channel full of learning content, podcasts on BBC Sounds and loads of educational video on iPlayer. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
The Social Mobility Commission – are running a webinar on mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on social mobility on 23 April 2020. Register here.
Creative England have put together a resource page for the film and TV industry – https://www.creativeengland.co.uk/filming-in-england/
ScreenSkills – Online training courses covering the digital, diversity, legal and business, people skills, production, scripting and technical aspects of TV and film. A great way to brush up your skills whilst in lockdown – https://www.screenskills.com/itf/courses
Creative Black County Resource List – https://www.creativeblackcountry.co.uk/covid19resources
Noise Solution Update – The recent COVID-19 situation has highlighted the need for measured safe responses to engaging with vulnerable youth in their home. Noise Solution are nationally recognised as experts in digital youth work, with over 10 years of experience. They have recently developed a 100% digital intervention that provides evidenced and meaningful engagement for those vulnerable youth and families, promoting the things that they know underpin protective factors in well-being, for all involved. Find all details of Noise Solution offer here
Four Communications ran a webinar last week in association with Creative Industries Federation on Communications in a Crisis which is available to watch. https://vimeo.com/403724569?utm_source=Audience+Master+List&utm_campaign=7552178c19-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_06_10_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_19cf5877d5-7552178c19-288440125
GEM Freelace Offer – Freelancers are an essential part of the museums and heritage education fabric. In these unprecedented times, we understand that many freelancers are experiencing hardship and need the support of a strong membership organisation more than ever. That is why GEM is offering a free year-long membership and a complimentary supplier listing for freelance museum and heritage education professionals new to GEM. All current GEM members that are freelancers will receive a complimentary supplier listing.https://gem.org.uk/freelance-offer/
The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre are collecting data from across the sector to help policymakers understand and respond to how COVID-19 is impacting the sector. Take a look at their data collection hub here. Also, if you are launching a survey on the impact of COVID-19 and would like to add it to this list, please contact us at policy@pec.ac.uk
Creative Industries Federation – For those of you with children at home at the moment, we are compiling an amazing set of creative learning and entertainment resources at https://discovercreative.careers – come on over and take a look at what your kids can engage with today.
People Make it Work – This week as part of our virtual change creation experience we created a video about how we all respond to change and uncertainty and an expert panel of our friends with advice
STEAM toolkit – https://artswork.org.uk/resources/steam-toolkit/
Arts and Cultural Commissioning Toolkit – http://www.artscommissioningtoolkit.com/
Mentoring Support for Disabled Artists in Self-Isolation – In these strange, anxious and unpredictable times DASH is looking at ways we can support Disabled artists development and counter the isolation that the virus has brought to us all. Mike is offering phone/skype/zoom mentoring on a first come first served basis to any Disabled visual artist across the UK. There will be a maximum of 3 sessions plus a short introductory session where you will decide the topics you want to cover. Each session will last up to 2 hours and can be spread over several months. If you are interested then please contact Artistic Director, Mike Layward at mike@dasharts.org for more information.
Nominations for National Diversity Awards – In just over 4 weeks the National Diversity Awards have received over 25,000 nominations and votes. That’s 18,500 more than this time last year! An unprecedented amount of incredible role models and community groups have inspired people across the length and breadth of the country. Nominations are open until May 18th. To find out more about the Nomination categories and submit your nomination visit the website: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/nominate
Research commissioned by the Arts Council from the Royal Shakespeare Company, examining how Ofsted rated Outstanding schools integrate arts and cultural education as part of a rigorous academic curriculum – https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/publication/arts-and-cultural-education-outstanding-schools
Beatfreeks and The Council for Subject Association are currently undertaking some great research into how COVID 19 has affected the lives of young people 14 – 25 across the UK called “Take the Temperature” (#TaketheTemp) – Do you have staff or audiences in this age group? if so please share as much https://www.subjectassociations.org.uk/cfsa-response-to-covid-19/
United Nations: Global Call to Creatives – The United Nations, in its ‘Global Call to Creatives: An Open Brief from the United Nations’ states that it needs help “translating critical public health messages into different languages, different cultures, communities and platforms, reaching everyone, everywhere”. https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/united-nations-global-call-creatives
Arts Marketing Association – We’ve launched some more resources to support arts, culture & heritage professionals, organisations and freelancers – including further dates for free webinars on ‘Wellbeing for Yourself and your Team’ and ‘Preparing your Crisis Comms Plan’ https://www.a-m-a.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-resources/
Arts Fundraising – As part of our response to COVID-19, we are offering a FREE ‘Power Hour’ of consultancy support every day, to any arts organisation needing help with income generation, fundraising strategy, or donor management. Schedule your hour here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emergency-power-hour-tickets-100113209304
Voluntary Arts has nearly 30 years’ experience of remote working, working at home and supporting a distributed network of staff, freelancers and volunteers. From Tuesday 17th March Voluntary Arts is launching #CreativeNetwork – a daily online get-together open to anyone involved in arts, culture and creativity who would welcome the opportunity to talk to others about dealing with the current situation, the challenges of working from home etc. www.voluntaryarts.org/creativenetwork
Digital Culture Network – The Digital Culture Network is here to develop your organisation’s digital skills, find new ways to reach and engage audiences and help develop your business models. Working across the arts and culture sector, the Network is led by nine specialist Tech Champions. We want you to be a part of it. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-digital-culture/digital-culture-network
a-n The Artists Information Company – Has provided a wide range of Coronavirus Covid-19: information and guidance for artists and arts organisers
https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-guidance-for-artists-and-arts-organisers/
The arts community in the USA is mobilising fast to organise support for artists during the crisis. These resources, shared by Arts Council on Twitter have an international focus, and are not only relevant for American artists. https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/
BBC & Arts Council – Culture In Quarantine: bringing arts and culture into the home – https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/entries/
Free six-month Creative Industries Federation membership for all freelancers and microbusinesses – We are only as strong as our membership and we need creatives from across the country to join us at this time of crisis for the sector. We are encouraging freelancers and microbusinesses – who will be some of the hardest hit – to join us as a Creative Industries Federation Member free of charge for the next six months, so we can support you with relevant news and updates whilst you navigate the challenges of the ongoing Coronavirus emergency. https://federation.force.com/Members/s/login/
#PayItForward campaign – Crowdfunder is offering 100% free fundraising along with support from Enterprise Nation to help businesses secure trade by pre-selling vouchers, goods and services. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/pay-it-forward
Adobe has set up a two-month discount option for individuals with an already existing Creative Cloud subscription – https://www.creativebloq.com/news/adobe-payment-holiday
CovidCulture: the latest news and information for the arts sector workforce Arts Professional – We are removing our subscription paywall for all Covid-19 related news*, resources and content to support arts workers – https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/covidculture
New Art West Midlands Resources – A growing resource of information for arts professionals – http://newartwestmidlands.co.uk/editorial/useful-resources-for-arts-professionsals/
Festivals Bridge – CREATING YOUR OWN DIGITAL CONTENT – If you are building an online resource and need some help with how to structure this or make it user friendly, then have a look at our Digital Resources Toolkit, this is a great starting point. https://nnfestival.org.uk/festival-bridge/what-we-do/research-development/digital-resources-toolkit/
Big Book Weekend – Join us for a free online literature festival from 8-10 May. The Big Book Weekend will broadcast interviews, discussions, and conversations over the first May bank holiday weekend. Developed and curated by authors Kit de Waal and Molly Flatt and hosted by publishing start-up MyVLF, they’re currently on the lookout for literature festivals of any size to join the project. If that’s you – get in touch! https://bigbookweekend.com/contact-us
Commissions & Competitions
New Art West Midlands – Engine Micro Bursaries: Call for proposals – Deadline: Wednesday 15 April – 4pm Further information
http://newartwestmidlands.co.uk/editorial/engine-micro-bursaries-call-for-proposals/
The University of Warwick and Coventry University have launched a joint project that will fund local artists to work with researchers to create digital art works that will be showcased this summer in a special digital exhibition in conjunction with the Coventry City of Culture Trust. They will then be kept in the Coventry City of Culture Digital Archive. The artist/organisation should be within the CV postcode area. Deadline: 30th April 2020 – midday. https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/both_coventrys_universities/
The Space – Low-Cost R&D Commissioning Round – https://www.thespace.org/resource/low-cost-rd-commissioning-round – Deadline: Thursday 7th May
Creative Black Country (CBC) are offering small commissions of £500 to £2000 – For projects that develop creative activity with and for local communities in the Black Country to make connections and support local people during these extraordinary and difficult times. The first deadline for submissions is midday Monday 13th April. There may be additional rounds, depending on the initial response to the call, budget capacity and current situation. https://www.creativeblackcountry.co.uk/creative-communities
Are you a young person aged 8 to 18 years old with a passion for writing? The Arena Theatre, University of Wolverhampton, is inviting young people across the local region to participate in our competition: The Monologuers: Young Writer’s Challenge! The Monologuers is an opportunity for 8 to 18 year olds to get their work produced by professionals and showcased on the Arena Theatre stage for one night only (date currently T.B.C) with the support of professional directors, actors and the staff at the Arena Theatre. Your monologue can be on ANY topic: be as imaginative as you like! However, it can only be a maximum of SIX PAGES long. Monologuers must also live in one of the following constituencies: Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Stafford, Hereford or Telford. You can submit your monologue in any format to our judging panel, including: written, audio and video. FOUR lucky winners will be selected, and their monologues will be produced and showcased at the Arena Theatre for ONE NIGHT ONLY! For further details and an application form, visit: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre/get-involved/monologuers/ Deadline – Thursday 30th April
Health & Wellbeing
Supporting the wellbeing and mental health of those working in the cultural and creative sectors – www.creative-freedom.org
Free wellbeing docs – www.chinaplatetheatre.com
The Children’s Commissioner for England has produced a resource for children which aims to alleviate anxiety and worry about the coronavirus outbreak. https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/
Leapers, who supports the mental health of the self-employed, have brought out a guide to working from home while under self-quarantine – https://www.leapers.co/resources/little-guides/coronavirus-working-from-home
Young Minds Parents Hotline: 0808 8025544 (9.30am – 4.00pm) – Free, confidential online and telephone support including information and advice to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.
Every Mind Matters: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ Updated with tips and advice on Mental wellbeing while staying at home | Coronavirus anxiety tips | Understanding mental health and tips to manage wellbeing
MIND – Coronavirus and your wellbeing: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing | A range of helpful resources for planning staying indoors, maintaining health through nutrition, deciding a routine, keeping active and finding ways to spend your time
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – Coronavirus anxiety: how to cope if you’re feeling anxious about the outbreak: https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2020/28-february-coronavirus-anxiety-how-to-cope-if-you-re-feeling-anxious-about-the-outbreak Advice from counsellors about managing anxiety related to Coronavirus
Carers UK – Guidance for Carers: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19 Includes FAQs and a Wellbeing Action Plan with tailored tips on keeping a positive frame of mind
WHO – Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.epi-win.com/all-resources/helping-children-cope-with-stress-during-the-covid-19-outbreak#163961_20200318052635
Place2Be: Coronavirus: Helpful information to answer questions from children: https://www.place2be.org.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/2020/march/coronavirus-information-for-children/
| Tips and useful resources to support your child and yourself
British Psychological Society – advice to schools parents and carers to help children through the uncertainty of school closures: https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/bps-offers-advice-schools-parents-and-carers-help-children-through-uncertainty | Tips for school, parents and carers
Public Health England – Advice on the coronavirus for places of education (quick read version): https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2020-03/V4%20Coronavirus%20advice%20for%20schools%20poster%20020302%20EDU15.0.4%20%282%29.pdf
Covibook: https://www.mindheart.co/descargables | An interactive resource designed to support and reassure children aged 7 and under, designed to help children explain and draw the emotions that they might be experiencing during the pandemic
Young Minds – What to do if you’re anxious about coronavirus: https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/ | Advice aimed at younger people including not overexpose yourself to the news, try and stick to normal routine, find things that help you feel keep calm and looking after your mental health while self-isolating