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Signpost: Information and Guidance for UK Based Artists and Artist-Led Organisations

06 April 2020

In response to ongoing Covid-19 developments we have compiled this list to signpost professional advice, support and guidance for UK-based independent artists, curators, producers, arts workers and artist-led organisations.

Last updated on 1 June 2020.

UK Arts Councils:

Government Advice:

NHS Advice for Everyone: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

NHS Inform Scotland: www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

NHS Direct Wales: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/

Health Northern Ireland: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/ 

HMRC Covid-19 help line for self-employed and businesses: 0300 456 3565

Claim a grant though the coronavirus (Covid-19) Self-employment Income Support Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

Overview and list of all UK Government business grants:  https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Citizens Advice, check what benefits you are eligible for:

 

Other UK focused emergency funds from other funders, arts organisations and partners (with deadlines if specified):

 

 

Manchester International Festival

An open document list of resources for artists and freelancers which includes links to employment advice and a directory of emergency funds in the UK which is updated regularly. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P_E7o7gjhjppQEPZdhmpEIc5u4aIlx0mFOxFjE_5ZwY/edit

 

Culture at Risk 

The Mayor of London established the Culture at Risk Office to safeguard London’s cultural life and to support organisations, venues and people across the creative sector. https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/arts-and-culture/cultural-infrastructure-toolbox/culture-risk-0

 

UK Music 

List of organisations offering financial support for people working in the music industry. https://www.ukmusic.org/covid-19/coronavirus-financial-support-information/how-to-get-emergency-funding-if-you-work-in-the-music-industry/

 

Grants Online

List of grants currently available across the UK with a specific page for emergency funds and a page dedicated to all arts, culture and heritage grants. https://www.grantsonline.org.uk/coronavirus.html

 

Other information and guidance for independent artists, curators, producers and artist-led organisations:

 

Unlimited

List of resources and information for disabled freelancers and artists:  https://weareunlimited.org.uk/links-and-resources-for-disabled-artists-and-freelancers-in-response-to-covid-19-includes-medical-guidance/

 

A-N

Our friends at A-N have put together this regularly updated page with support and advice for artists from across the sector, plus wider government and NHS guidance: https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-guidance-for-artists-and-arts-organisers/

 

Creative Industries Federation 

The Creative Industries Federation represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries and they are currently offering six months free subscription. https://www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/news/free-federation-membership-six-months

 

UK Covid-19 Freelance Artist Resource

This webpage is a collection of links to resources for freelance creatives and artists: https://ukcovid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/

 

Acas

Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice: https://www.acas.org.uk/

 

Bectu

Advice for members, including information for freelancers working in film and TV and workers in theatre, live events and the arts: https://bectu.org.uk/topic/covid-19-coronavirus/

 

The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE)

Action concerning Covid-19 and advice for freelancers: https://www.ipse.co.uk/ipse-news/news-listing/coronavirus-ipse-activity-and-advice-freelancers.html

 

UK Artist Grant Writing Support 

A network of artists, curators and producers working in contemporary art organisations, who are coming together to provide in-kind support to artists requiring help with emergency grant applications: http://autoitaliasoutheast.org/news/uk-artist-grant-writing-support/ 

 

Theatre Skill Share 2020 

This document collates skills, mentoring and support being offered by theatre makers to others in the sector. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1–6tt_D8L37-PBikPZP7qALdQ1f5WbDqTceSTPHf-YA/edit#gid=0

 

Crafts Council

Information and advice for makers, craft business and organisations: https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/articles/supporting-the-craft-community-at-this-time

 

Digital Culture Network 

Content and resources to help you develop digital skills: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/digital-culture-network/resources-support-events#section-1

 

Culture Health & Wellbeing Alliance

The Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance have created guidance for working online, and online safeguarding: https://www.culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk/guidance-working-online-and-online-safeguarding

 

Art Quest 

Artquest have created a temporary homepage which provides links to the latest information, resources and opportunities for visual artists during the Covid-19 lockdown: https://www.artquest.org.uk/

 

Jerwood Arts Twitter

We regularly share information relating to funding and resources available for artists across different art forms on our Twitter feed. https://twitter.com/JerwoodArts