Covid-19 Support availible for the Creative Sector

At Business East Sussex we have been taking a look at some of the COVID-19 support available to businesses, organizations and individuals operating in the Creative Sector. We have put together the following list for businesses and individuals working in that sector, we hope that it is useful.

Remember, if you want to speak to someone about your business or you want help navigating the broad array of advice and support schemes available, please give us a call on 01273 335878 or contact us through our website.

Help Musicians UK

Help Musicians UK has launched a Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund, offers individual grants of up to £500.

You can find information on this fund here.

Arts Council England

Arts Council England has a £160 million package offering grants to individuals, practitioners and organizations in the creative and arts sector. You can find out more about this here.

Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund 

BFI and The Film and TV Charity, with a £1m donation from Netflix, have established an Emergency Relief Fund to support workers across the UK’s film and TV industry.

The Film and TV Charity is currently working on eligibility criteria and level of individual funding, but the fund will be open to those working in production, distribution and exhibition. Please register for The Film and TV Charity mailing list for updates.

Directors Charitable Foundation 

Directors Charitable Foundation is expanding its Directors Support Scheme, designed to offer short-term support. All theatrical and screen directors qualify for consideration. Application form to become available shortly, and for more information click here.

Musicians’ Union Hardship Fund

There is a £1m hardship fund for MU members with genuine and pressing hardship can apply to. Initially, individual grants will be restricted to a maximum of £200. The fund is for current Musician’s Union members, you can find a full list of criteria here. Applications are made through Musicians’ Union website.

The Actors’ Benevolent Fund

This fund is considering applications from professional actors, actresses and stage managers who have contracted Covid-19 or are self-isolating because they are unwell. Support on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should claim Government benefits beforehand. Applications and further information can be found here.

The Royal Theatrical Fund

The Royal Theatrical Fund provides support for people of all ages who have worked in the entertainment industry. Those seeking help and meet the Fund’s criteria will be asked to claim all benefits and grants that the Government have put in place. Further information click here.

PRS Emergency Relief Fund

PRS Members’ Fund and PRS Foundation have partnered to launch a relief fund for PRS members, offering grants up to £1,000 each. Applicants must have been PRS writer members for at least two years and earned at least £500 of PRS royalties within the last two years. Applications and further information can be found here and here.

South East Creatives SECCADS Programme

Support is for the creative sector through the SECCADS programme. The programme provides grant and business support aimed at individuals and businesses working in the creative, cultural and digital sectors in East Sussex, Kent and Essex. Visit the South East Creatives website to find out more.