We have put together this information page that we hope will be useful. It covers links to organisations offering financial support during the Covid-19 health emergency, advice on applications to ACE and discussion forums/groups you might like to join.
This is a living document so if there are links you think it would be good for us to highlight and share, please email us at rtyds@rtyds.co.uk and we will update the page.
Last updated 15 January 2021
UK-WIDE
GOV.UK – Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant – Extension
- The deadline to apply for the third grant is 29 January 2021.
- Available to self-employed individuals who are impacted by reduced demand or are temporarily unable to trade due to coronavirus.
- The third taxable grant is worth 80% of average monthly trading profits. It is paid in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits (capped at £7,500 in total).
- Hardship grants in partnership with the Fleabag Support Fund. Offering grants of up to £3000 supporting theatrical artists and professionals whose livelihoods and creative futures have been threatened in the wake of Covid-19.
- Applications for the Fleabag Support Fund open on the 1st of every month for five days, for the foreseeable future.
The Directors Charitable Foundation – Directors Support Scheme Grant
- Applications are open.
- Offering short-term support for all stage, screen, games, music video and commercials directors who have been affected by Covid-19.
- In exceptional circumstances, they are also considering other categories of eligibility, i.e. directors working with marginalised communities or working in unconventional settings.
- Applications are currently closed but there will be future application rounds.
- For theatre professionals who are in need of urgent and critical financial support due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the theatre sector.
- Offering emergency grants of £1,000 for freelancers.
Equity Charitable Trust – Coronavirus Welfare Support
- Applications are open.
- Grants are open to all freelance professional performers and those who work in the theatre profession on a freelance basis.
- You are eligible if you have previously worked on an Equity contract, but you do not need to be an Equity member to apply.
- Applications are open.
- Both long-term and short-term financial assistance is available for those who work in backstage or front of house positions.
- They have also extended their charitable reach to directors and assistant directors.
- Applications are open.
- Financial support grant for people working professionally in the entertainment industry and experiencing financial hardship.
- You can either apply online or complete this Grant Application Form and post it to them.
The Turbine Theatre – Funds for Freelancers Crowdfunder
- Applications are open.
- A financial resource for actors, creatives, ushers working in theatre.
- Applicants can apply for financial support by email with a few sentences about your situation: submissions@paultaylormills.com.
- Providing emotional and financial support to theatre workers who have been affected by Covid-19.
- Get in touch with a4o@trtf.com to see how they can provide you with support.
ENGLAND
Arts Council England – Developing Your Creative Practice
- Applications for this round close at midday on 18 February 2021.
- A fund designed to support independent creative practitioners, helping them take their work to the next level through things such as: research, time to create new work, travel, training, developing ideas, networking or mentoring.
- There is £18 million of National Lottery funding between October 2020 to October 2021.
Arts Council England – National Lottery Project Grants
- Applications are open.
- This fund has a budget of £77.9 million available until April 2021.
- They are currently focusing on funding independent organisations, creative practitioners and freelancers as quickly as possible.
Artists/Musicians Coronavirus Relief Fund
- Funds up to £200 for any freelance/self-employed/zero-hour-contracted worker affected by Covid-19.
- To apply, fill out this Google Form.
SCOTLAND
Creative Scotland – Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development
- Applications are open. There is no deadline – you can apply at any time during the year. Decisions are communicated within eight to twelve weeks.
- Freelance and self-employed artists and creative practitioners in Scotland can apply for projects supporting the development of their practice.
- The fund has an annual budget of around £7.5m across their Open Fund for Individuals and Open Fund for Organisations. They are accepting applications between £1,000 and £100,000.
FOR GENERAL ADVICE
These organisations can give freelancers guidance on tax, Universal Credit and other queries around self-employment:
Freelancers Make Theatre Work – their website has information on Tax Deferral and Universal Credit. They have also set up a support email address that will be checked regularly. It is a private space for thoughts, ideas, grievances and positive ideas that they can then hopefully share (anonymously and with your consent) and act on, if possible. Contact them on: support@freelancersmaketheatrework.com
ACAS – an independent organisation for free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice (for both employers and employees)
Bectu – Coronavirus advice from the union for creative ambition.
HMRC Helpline – for freelancers and businesses who are worried about paying their tax.
Theatre Helpline – free, independent and confidential phone and email service providing support to people working in the theatre industry.
HMRC Covid-19 Help Line for self-employed and businesses – 0300 456 3565
Turn2us – a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.
DISCUSSION FORUMS AND GROUPS
These are industry-focused discussion groups around Covid-19 and its effect on the arts:
Class and Coronavirus Network – set up by Directors Stef O’Driscoll and Caitriona Shoobridge to support WBCU-C theatre makers
Stage Sight – their vision is to create an off-stage workforce that is more reflective of our society today, inclusive of ethnicity, class and disability.
Theatre Industry Coronavirus Facebook Group
MAKE Online – created by Talawa to allow Black theatre artists, makers and off stage talent to connect with the wider theatre industry.
A comprehensive online document detailing conversation groups available
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
A free package of support for D/deaf and disabled freelancers from Graeae, including access support for meetings, purchase/loan of technology, free/cheap rehearsal space, shadowing and mentoring opportunities.
B3 Creative Network have opened applications for B3 Origin – a mentoring programme for creatives working in the fields of film, digital media, the visual arts and theatre.
A Guide to Successful Freelancing – a helpful beginner’s guide for those who are new to freelancing
Producer Ruby Glaskin has created a spreadsheet to help you do a simple risk assessment on your freelance income
Online document listing theatres and their re-opening status
SOLT & UK Theatre: Theatre Support – An extensive guide to support available for theatre professionals.
Support for Theatre Professionals during Coronavirus – links to advice and support.
Arts Council England – COVID-19 support and funding information
GOV.UK – Guidance for employees, employers and businesses
Mayor of London – Culture at Risk
What Business Resources are Available for People with Disabilities? – A carefully researched guide by AABRS, which covers business plans, funding, specialist advice and support, and regionally relevant grants.
Smashing It: A Guide to Applying for Funding, edited by Sabrina Mahfouz.