In this difficult time, it is heart-warming and reassuring to see the arts and culture community use its creativity to support one another. We’re working hard together (at distance), whilst trying to stay afloat and bring culture into people’s homes at this unsettling time. The cultural community is proving to be a shining star when it comes to collaboration.
Here’s a few of the great schemes that have begun over the last few weeks.
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre
This is a great collaboration between SOLT and UK Theatre, together they have launched an incredibly supportive network for theatre professionals. They have set up a helpline for people who are having to face issues that are affecting their health and wellbeing at this time. It is open to anyone who works in theatre, whether freelance or in-house.
Call: 0800 915 4617 | Email: advice@theatrehelpline.org
Find out more: theatrehelpline.org
Extra tips? Theatre Support has pulled together a large selection of charities and networks that can help people who work in the theatre industry. Discover incredibly helpful resources here: theatresupport.info
The Arts Marketing Association (AMA)
The AMA have put together a great selection of resources for arts marketeers, including videos focusing on “how to promote a space that isn’t open” and loads more. They’ve also created a supportive and friendly Facebook group where different arts organisations are sharing helpful content. You can join their Facebook group and find their latest resources here.
Chloe Nelkin, Consultants
Our friends over at Chloe Nelkin Consultants have been busy working with the new collective Theatre Together who are raising money for those working in the arts who’ve been affected by COVID19. They have brought together a great line-up, including Danny Mac, Tom Milner, Jodie Prenger and La Voix to All the Web’s a Stage which will be available to stream on April 23rd . With more names to be announced, there will be over fifty artists and professionals coming together to bring live-streamed performances into your living room.
Extra tips? There’s a great line up of live streams bringing theatre to you. You can discover more here.
Fund for Freelancers
When it comes to the arts, freelancers are unsung heroes and they have been hit hard by the Coronavirus crisis. This hasn’t gone un-noticed; playwright and screenwriter James Graham generously donated the commission from his last television script to the recently launched Fund for Freelancers. This fantastic initiative was set-up in response to the Coronavirus effecting the creative world; an inspiring and supportive project from artistic director Paul Taylor-Mills. Over £50,000 was raised in one week!
How to donate? Head to the JustGiving page.
Artist Support Pledge
#ArtistSocialPledge shows us social media communities at their best. Artist Support Pledge is an online marketplace that’s helping artists in this difficult time. Amazingly it has already generated £9m in just one week. This was started by Matthew Burrow Studios with a simple concept:
“You post images of your work you are willing to sell for no more than £200 each (not including shipping.) Every time you reach £1000 of sales you pledge to buy another artist’s work for £200. So make a pledge and post your work with the #artistsupportpledge follow @matthewburrowsstudio to keep updated and the # to see everyone else’s work”
A beautifully simple scheme, you can follow the hashtag here.
The Arts Council
The Arts Council has published a £160 million bailout plan for companies and individuals in need during this crisis. Their latest statement:
“We are making £160 million of emergency funding available for those organisations and individuals who will need it during this crisis, and we have also changed the funding requirements for individuals and organisations currently in receipt of our funding” – The Arts Council, updated on 24th March 2020
Stay up to date with their latest statements and plans here.