Here you can find support for artists made available during the pandemic. Categories include Funding, Industry Advice and Guidance, and Health and Well-being.
Please note: Our site contains links to and from other websites. Studio12 and Leeds City Council do not necessarily endorse or support the organisations that are linked to or from our website. We cannot guarantee that links will work all of the time, and we have no control over the content or availability of the linked pages on other websites. We aim to keep this page as up to date as possible, however please check details yourself before applying for opportunities, some of which may be paused or cancelled due to the pandemic. If you’re a Studio12 member and need some help or advice in submitting an application for any opportunities or funding, please get in touch: studio12@leeds.gov.uk
FUNDING
There is funding available for artists and freelancers who have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. We hope you find the information below useful. Please note if funding deadlines close, it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t reopen. Below is a guide, however please be sure to check the websites for the latest updates.
Actors Benevolent Fund
This ongoing fund is for professional actors and stage mangers who have contracted Covid19 (or are self-isolating) and receive (or have applied for) Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance. They are heavily subscribed and ask people to consider applications carefully before applying. The fund can be used to help you manage your household expenses until you get back on your feet. They may be able to support you with a weekly payment as well as small grants for household bills, such as utilities, home insurance, and car insurance. They may also be able to help with larger, one-off payments, such as disability aids or kitchen appliances. Additionally they offer advice on which benefits you may be eligible for, to ensure you are receiving all the support you are entitled to. Visit the Actors Benevolent Fund website to find out more about the funding available and how you can apply.
Artists’ General Benevolent Institution (AGBI)
They offer financial support to artists in need and their dependents living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland who cannot work or earn due to accident, illness or older age. Professional fine artists (e.g painters and sculptors), can apply for help if they have earned their living (or major part of it) from art. Widows and orphaned children of artists are also eligible for help. Unfortunately, the AGBI is unable to assist in cases when an artist is unable to find a market for their work. The AGBI is unable to assist with legal fees or education costs for mature students. Visit the AGBI website to find out more about their funding support and to apply.
AIM (Association of Independent Music) Hardship Fund
This support fund is aimed at the self-employed, contractors and freelance workers in the independent music industry who have lost significant income due to lost work. The AIM Hardship Fund is open to AIM Member businesses, developing artists signed to those businesses and other contractors due to work with those artists who have lost committed income because of cancelled artist projects, provided they meet the criteria. This critical part of the music industry ecosystem including record labels, artist managers, tour crews, session musicians, studio producers, mixing engineers, radio pluggers, graphic designers, stylists, photographers, publicists. Eligible contractors and freelancers can apply to the fund directly. Alternatively AIM Members can continue to nominate themselves or nominate contractors whose nominations will be pre-approved on this basis. Open to AIM Member businesses and developing artists signed to those businesses. Qualifying workers must be:
– A self-employed contractor or the sole employee of their own loan-out company
– Either an AIM Member themselves or working with an AIM member business
– Or a developing artist signed to an AIM Member business
Qualifying workers will:
– Need to provide confirmatory back-up of the cancelled work for which they have lost income.
– Receive up to 80% of their lost committed income from projects in August/September to a maximum of £1,000 for each two-month period.
Applicants can receive up to £1,000 for each two-month period. Applications may be currently closed, check the website to see if they have reopened. Visit AIM’s website to find out more about the Hardship Fund.
Author’s Emergency Fund
Support for all types of authors including writers, poets, illustrators, journalists. Funding of up to £2,000. Eligibility: Cannot apply if you already received ACE funding. Must be UK resident, and your author related activities must make up a substantial amount of your usual income. The funding can’t be used to cover publication costs, it is designed as emergency support to use for your rent/bills/lost income etc. Deadline: Ongoing. Visit the Society of Authors website to find out more and apply.
Arts Council England
Arts Council England have rounded up all the support from government and other sources for individuals and organisations in the cultural sector. This includes information on: Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, Tax relief, Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (benefits for individuals if they are unable to work). Visit Arts Council England’s website to find out more about support available during Coronavirus.
Black Artists Grant
£2,000 Is given out monthly to black artists in the UK, with each artist selected receiving £500 each. The BAG is no-strings attached financial support to help the selected artists in whatever they want – be that make new work, buy equipment or materials, travel, research, visit exhibitions or conferences, or to even just cover some life expenses. This is specifically for Black artists; not politically black, not POC or BAME. This grant has been set up because black artists are systematically under-supported by the art world; by institutions, curators, the artist-led scene, major and minor funding bodies, the market, art schools, and by audiences too. We recognise that a full institutional overhaul and dismantling of racist structures is required to transform the industry permanently, but we hope in a small way that this grant will help enable recipients to continue their artistic practice when the odds are so stacked against them. Recipients will be chosen monthly, and every few months this selector will change. The current selectors are Halcyon. They will do research to find artists who could benefit from the money, but if you would like to flag your work to them and put yourself forward, please send an email to bag@halcyonmaguk.com. It would be helpful if your email could contain your name, contact information and some images of what you make or do – that might be via attachments, or a link to a website or other online portfolio (this can be Instagram for example, whatever you have available). There is no deadline as this is a monthly rolling grant, no age limit, and the grant does not expect any outcomes or reporting. This is just the beginning of an ongoing project of support funded by Creative Debuts who are a platform for emerging artists. Halcyon is a platform for the diverse voices of Muslim women which aims to uplift and showcase Muslim women’s work and stories. Visit the Creative Debuts website to find out more about the Black Artists Grant and to apply.
Bradford Producing Hub Spare Bob – £500 micro-grant for artists and creatives
Times are tough; a lot of people and organisations have been left behind without support or work, and we would like to help where we can. We can provide up to £500 Spare Bob for activities, training or support that will help you develop or progress your artistic ambitions. Who can apply: anyone involved in making live arts, living or working in Bradford District People at any stage of their career. We will prioritise individuals and unfunded companies. Live arts include spoken word, dance, theatre, storytelling, music, movement and all the other art-forms that have an element of live interactive-ness with audiences. When we say ‘artists’, we mean creative people of all kinds: all of the roles required to make brilliant performance, on or off stage. To find out more about Spare Bob funding, visit Bradford Producing Hub’s website.
British Film Institute (BFI) COVID-19 Production and Development Funding
Up to £2m is available to independent British productions interrupted by COVID-19. Awards made through the Fund are intended to support unexpected additional production costs arising directly from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that cannot be covered from other sources. They are intended to help put the production company and the project in the best possible position to resume production when it is safe and practical. Visit the British Film Institute website to find out more about the Continuation Fund and if it will reopen.
BFI Film Audience Network & Film Hub North – Covid-19 Resilience Fund.
The fund aims to provide critical relief to independent film exhibitors affected by venue closures. In the North, they’ve made 20 awards and are providing grants to a range of organisations that make film culture possible in their communities. From multi-arts venues in Northumberland to community cinemas in Merseyside, the exhibitors they’re supporting champion cinema across the region and in their own ways throughout the sector. Applications may be currently closed, check the website to see if they have reopened. Visit the BFI website to find out more about the Covid-19 Resilience Fund.
Chapel Allerton & Potternewton Relief-in-Need Charity (Leeds)
One off grants for the benefit of people who live within the parish boundaries of Chapel Allerton, Chapeltown and Potternewton, Leeds (approximates to Leeds 7 Postal District). We do not support ongoing or recurring charges – each case is examined on its merits and degree of urgency. Grants are limited to one award per person (per year) and are typically up to £200. We can also provide some white goods – cookers, washers and refrigerators up to a similar value. Individuals cannot apply directly. Chapeltown Citizens Advice, a social services department, probation officer, health visitor or other caring agencies/charities can apply on behalf of an individual. Trustees meet in March but applications can be dealt with at any time according to need. Visit the Turn 2 Us website to find out more about the Relief Grants.
Community Business Renewal Fund by Power to Change
Deadline for Round 2 is 19th January, deadline for Round 3 is 2nd March. It provides grants to community businesses in England affected by the Covid-19 crisis to adapt, renew and rebuild their business so they can remain financially viable. The fund is aimed at organisations delivering services in their local community to support those who have been most affected by the Covid-19 crisis. What can you apply for? An unrestricted grant between £10,000 and £20,000 to support your organisation to adapt and evolve to the changing circumstances, by providing an unrestricted grant that could be used to cover core staffing costs, contribute to meeting capital costs of adapting your community business and ensuring that your community business can continue to provide the vital support to local people. The Community Business Renewal Fund welcomes strong applications from organisations across the community business sector. However applications will be prioritised from organisations that are:
• Operating in a community that has been hardest hit by Covid-19
• Increasing diversity in the community business sector
• Supporting the growth and impact of the community business sector as a whole
To find out more about the Community Business Renewal Fund and to apply, visit Power to Change’s website.
Dancer’s Hardship Fund
For professional dancers. Support given to freelance dancers across genres including ballet, contemporary, Black and Asian dance and hip hop including those with portfolio careers, e.g. choreography, who whose work would normally include employment in the subsidised dance sector. Grants of £2k per person are available for food, rent and necessary communication. Eligibility: You need 3 years’ experience or more as a dancer in the UK (you’ll need a CV as evidence). 50% of your normal income must come from dance. For people age 18+, who live in England and have less than £6k savings. You must be able to evidence work/contracts cancelled as a result of Covid-19. Applications are currently open. Visit the Dance Professionals website to find out more about the Dancer’s Hardship Fund and how you can apply.
Daphne Oram Trust Emergency Support Grants
The Daphne Oram Trust is giving out six emergency relief grants of £500 each to support individuals in the UK working in electronic music and sound. Recipients can be composers, sound designers, performers, artists, makers, curators, event producers, teachers, sound engineers or students. The Daphne Oram Trust Emergency Support Grants each are open to all who work in electronic music and sound. However, applications are particularly encouraged from women and people of minority genders, BAME/POC practitioners, disabled practitioners and others who are currently under-represented in this area. Decisions and payments will be made by 21 August. There is no requirement for you to propose or produce new work! These grants are offered as a means to overcome current financial hardship and to support your continuing development. However, if you are interested, we may be able to offer a platform to develop further online and live opportunities in the future. You are welcome to apply for this emergency relief grant if you can meet all 6 of these criteria:
• A composer, sound designer, performer, artist, maker, curator, event producer, sound engineer, teacher or student.
• Working primarily with electronic sound or music.
• Age 18 or over.
• Based in the UK.
• Currently experiencing financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic
• Ideally you won’t already receiving support from another Covid-19 relief fund for artists (e.g. from Help Musicians UK).
Applications may be currently closed, check the website to see if they have reopened. Visit the Daphne Oram Trust website to find out more about the Emergency Support Grant.
Directors Charitable Foundation
The ongoing Directors Support Scheme has been expanded to respond to Covid19. This is designed to offer short-term emergency support for directors of stage and screen. Application via online form. All applicants will receive a decision from the Scheme panel within 21 days of application. Grants are expected to be in the region of £500. Visit the Directors Charitable Foundation website to find out more about the Directors Support Scheme Fund and how you can apply.
Equity Charitable Trust
The Coronavirus Emergency Welfare Support Fund provides funding for freelancers. Applications are welcomed from professional actors, circus, aerialists, puppeteers or variety performers, and stage managers. Eligibility: You must have worked on an Equity contract but do not need to hold and Equity card. They assess applications weekly. Visit the Equity Charitable Trust website to find out more about the Emergency Welfare Fund and how you can apply.
Film & TV Charity Community Grants
Helping cover costs for those volunteering their time to help the film and TV community. If you work in film, TV or cinema and have an idea for an activity that could help your friends and colleagues in the industry during the crisis, you can apply for a small Community Grant of £150 – £250, up to a maximum of £1,000, to cover set-up costs and expenses. It’s important to try to stay connected and support each other at the moment. Shared activities, trying something new or getting creative can help us to stay in touch and take our minds off things. These grants are designed for grassroots organisations or individuals. Your activity could tackle isolation, connect people, involve professional development, skill sharing, mentoring or career development, or financial advice. Examples of things the fund could cover include: administrative costs, software, video conferencing fees, subtitles and British Sign Language interpretation or social media marketing. Applications may be currently closed, check the website to see if they have reopened. Visit the Film and TV Charity website to find out more about Community Grants.
Freelands Foundation Emergency Fund
The Freelands Foundation has partnered with a-n (The Artists Information Company) to set up a new £1.5m Emergency Fund for artists and freelancers who work in the visual arts and are experiencing severe financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The fund will provide grants of £1,500 – £2,500. Applications may be currently closed, check the website to see if they have reopened. Visit the Artists Information Company website to find out more about the Foundation Emergency Fund.
Help Musicians’ Coronavirus Financial Hardship Funding: Phase 3
This support is for professional musicians who fall through the gaps of government support or are unable to make ends meet. Since March, Help Musicians has supported over 18,000 musicians with over £11m in financial hardship funding across the UK. However, while opportunities for musicians to earn are still severely limited, we understand that more support is needed to ensure the thousands who are falling through the gaps in government support, or unable to survive on what they receive, can get through the coming months. Phase 3 of our Financial Hardship Funding is targeted at self-employed musicians who do not qualify for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and unemployed professional musicians who are unable to make ends meet in the face of further lockdowns and ongoing restrictions. For those who are eligible, to the extent that funds allow, the charity will offer grant payments from the time their application is successful to March 2021 to top-up Universal Credit payments where relevant. Where an applicant does not qualify for Universal Credit but is still experiencing significant financial hardship, an assessment will be made based on individual circumstances. Applications are currently open. Visit Help Musician’s website to find out more about the Hardship Fund and to check you’re eligible before applying.
Jerwood Arts Live Work Fund
This new fund worth £660k will support at least 33 exceptional individuals over 12 months with awards of £20,000 to adapt their approach to making and sharing live work. It is for artists, creatives and producers with no more than ten years’ experience, based anywhere in the UK, whose practice pre-Covid-19 focused and relied on live performance. This includes those with artistic/creative practices based in music, theatre, opera, circus, dance, live art and performance as well as those who work in the gaps between these disciplines. Around half of the funding will go to music creators. The Live Work Fund brings together Jerwood Arts, Wolfson Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The Linbury Trust, four independent funders who share a common aim to substantially support individuals whose work relies on live performance following the impact of Covid-19. We understand the pandemic currently makes it hard to imagine a positive future in the arts, but we strongly believe that artists/creatives hold the key to discovering and forging new ways forward. We are committed to a vibrant future for live work and to ensuring that right across the country outstanding artists, creatives and producers are able to transform and develop their practice to survive and thrive. The Live Work Fund is designed to help prevent exceptional talent of all backgrounds from abandoning the development of their practice due to the impact of Covid-19 and create the space for reflection and experimentation. It will provide substantial support throughout 2021 to enable the selected artists, creatives and producers to take the time to think ambitiously about how they can adapt their artistic/creative practice and make a vital contribution to the future of their artistic/creative community. Awardees will also be able to call upon Jerwood Arts expert staff for advice and introductions, and established artist/creative mentors and other experts will be available to support career development, answer discipline-specific questions and signpost opportunities. Deadline Monday 16 November 5pm. Visit the Jerwood Arts website to find out more about the Live Work Fund and to apply.
Lawrence Atwell’s Charity
Grants are available for young people from low-income backgrounds, to help them gain vocational, accredited qualifications. The charity does not give grants for secondary education, university or postgraduate degrees or courses at a private dance/drama college. We offer grants from £100 to £1,500 for people aged 16 to 26, to take courses (up to level 3) that will help them move into employment. Funding can be given for course fees, equipment/materials, travel costs, and childcare. We also don’t give grants for general welfare purposes. We can consider you for funding if you are:
• Aged 16 – 26 (on the date your course starts)
• A British citizen, asylum seeker or refugee, or have you lived in the UK for 3 years
• Taking an accredited, vocational training course up to level 3
• From a low income household.
Before you apply, please read through our page in detail to establish if you are eligible. You can contact them on 020 7213 0561 or email atwell@skinners.org.uk Visit the Lawrence Atwell’s Charity website to apply for funding that will help you gain a qualification.
Leeds Inspired Small Grant Scheme
In light of the COVID-19 situation some changes have been made to the Leeds Inspired Grant Scheme. They have boosted the Small Grant Scheme using funds from the temporarily suspended Main Grant Scheme. We have done this to enable the arts sector to access funds quickly and respond to the new demand for online events in Leeds. The limit for a Leeds Inspired Small Grant application has been increased to £1200 per application and we have increased the deadlines so that they are now monthly until the end of the year. Deadline: 5th November 2020. Visit the Leeds Inspired website to find out more about the Small Grant Scheme and how you can apply.
Mary MacArthur Holiday Trust
Grants are available for vulnerable women over the age of 18 who fit our criteria. We are not accepting Covid 19 as an eligibility. The grant is for a therapeutic holiday break. We pay the grant direct to the holiday provider. Due to Government Guidelines we are only awarding grants towards a holiday within the UK until restrictions are lifted. Preference is given to women who are/have been in employment. Applications are considered quarterly. Applications are considered by the Management Committee at their quarterly meetings. We reply to all applicants and sponsors whether successful or not. Visit the Turn 2 Us website to apply for the Holiday Trust fund.
Metcalfe Smith Trust
We make grants to improve the quality of life or independence of adults or children with a physical disability, long term illness or a mental health difficulty who live within the metropolitan district of Leeds. We will provide grants for the purchase of equipment, or pay for course fees leading to greater independence or employment, or provide a respite break which enable any of the above. In the past we have given grants towards the cost of holidays and day trips; an exercise machine and transport costs and sensory toys and therapy materials for a child with autism and behavioural problems. To be eligible for a grant you must have a physical disability, long term illness or a mental health difficulty and live within the metropolitan district of Leeds. What we do not give grants for:
• Grants to individuals outside the metropolitan district of Leeds
• General appeals
• Research costs
• Fundraising initiatives
• We will not commit to making recurrent grants
If you would like to be considered for a grant please complete the form on the Metcalfe Smith Trust website to find out if you are eligible. You will then receive an email with the application form to complete and return by post. Alternatively, please call or email the charity for more information. The Trustees meet twice a year to approve grant applications, but sometimes the Secretary can make small emergency grants of up to £100. Visit the Turn 2 Us website for more information on the Metcalfe Smith Trust grant.
Musicians Union Hardship Fund
It must be emphasised that this is a hardship fund and not a fee replacement fund. The fund will not stretch very far if members who have lost bookings but are not in dire need of financial help all apply. Eligibility: The fund is open to any current member who is a UK resident currently paying the full MU membership subscription rate, or joint MU / NEU membership subscription rate (either in full or by Direct Debit). You must be suffering genuine hardship from loss of work due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Visit the Musicians Union website to find out more about the Hardship Fund and how you can apply.
ORA Singers and Tate Modern Emergency Composers’ Fund
ORA Singers and Tate Modern have launched a £12,000 Emergency Composers’ Fund, to provide work and income for composers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Eight composers, picked from those who register interest for the project, will be asked to write reflections of eight different works of art specifically chosen by Tate Modern from their own collection.
The Emergency Fund is open to any composer who is resident in the UK and the eight selected composers will each receive a £1,500 commission to write a new choral work at this difficult time. Applications are currently open. Visit the Ora Singers website for full details and to apply.
PRS Foundation Sustaining Creativity Fund
Deadline: Monday 10th August (applications open now). PRS Foundation have announced a third round of their Sustaining Creativity Fund specifically for supporting Black music creators during Covid-19! Grants of up to £1,000 available to support artists. Eligibility: Open to UK-based Black music creators working in any genre and at any career level whose music careers have been impacted by COVID-19. Applications may be currently closed, check the website to see if they have reopened. Visit the PRS website to find out more about the Sustaining Creativity fund and to apply.
National Benevolent Society – Emergency Coronavirus Fund
This is an emergency payment for people have lost their job or are on reduced hours and have therefore had their income substantially reduced because of Coronavirus – and who are suffering hardship as a result. The payment is to buy food and the maximum award payable is £300 per household. You will be asked to supply your most recent bank statement to evidence your earnings and most recent employment. Only one application per household. Please note priority will be given to those people who have dependants such as children, people with disabilities or older people, living in their household. Eligibility: You must be a UK resident age 18+ who has lost their job or had your hours reduced because of Coronavirus. Please ensure you are claiming or trying to claim all the benefits you are entitled to before applying. Visit the National Benevolent Society to find out more about the Emergency Coronavirus Fund, including how you can apply. Your application will be reviewed within 5 working days.
Royal Literary Fund
Open for funding throughout the year for writers who are suffering financial hardship and have had several works published in the UK for a general readership, without publication being subsided by the writer or others. Self-published authors are ineligible for this funding. Visit Royal Literary Fund’s website to apply for funding.
RPS (Royal Philharmonic Society) Enterprise Fund
We are pleased to present a new fund to help performers of classical music develop their skill set and devise new ways to showcase their talent, in light of the pandemic. There are two tiers to the fund. Most applicants are encouraged to apply for the General tier from which the majority of grants will be given. Applications may be for a sum of up to £2,000. Additionally, there is a Trailblazer tier for exceptional candidates who have already proven themselves to be remarkably inventive and entrepreneurially-minded during lockdown, with a body of work that illustrates this. A very small number of applicants at this level will receive a larger grant of up to £10,000 to build strategically on their achievements in lockdown, and also to play an inspirational and advisory role to General grantees. Please note, this is not a hardship fund, nor is it simply intended to further your musical acumen. Duly, the fund is not available for music tuition, musical coaching, purchasing music or instruments, commissioning new music or new musical arrangements, or traditional presentation of concerts. Visit the RPS website to find out more about the Enterprise Fund and to apply.
Royal Theatrical Fund – Fleabag Support Fund
The objective of this fund is to provide a small crisis grant to those that prove the greatest need. Applications are open from 1st March 2021. Eligibility:
– All who have worked professionally in the theatre industry, this includes on stage, front of house, backstage workers, comedians, cabaret performers, commercial dancers.
– Applicants must have been in active work within the theatre industry during 2019. CV’s will need to be supplied with dates of employment.
– Applicants will need to supply evidence of current Government benefits. For example, Universal Credit breakdown, tax credits and local housing allowance award. The information supplied must clearly show the applicants name and address with a complete breakdown.
To find out more about the Fleabag Support Fund visit the Royal Theatrical Fund’s website.
Royal Variety Charity
The effect of the Coronavirus pandemic is being felt by many thousands of self-employed and contract workers throughout the country, with few having been so badly hit as those working in the Entertainment industry. With theatres across the country closed until further notice, film and TV shows suspended mid-shoot, and live music events, festivals and concerts having been cancelled, we really are experiencing unprecedented times. The Royal Variety Charity provides financial assistance to anyone who serves any facet of the Entertainment Industry (including theatre, film and TV), should they find themselves experiencing unforeseen financial hardship as a result of ill-health. Visit the Royal Charity website to find out more about their nationwide grant scheme and how you can apply.
Society of Authors
Grants of up to £2000 are available to meet urgent need, with the possibility of review as the situation continues. The fund is open to all professional authors who are resident in the UK, including: all types of writers, illustrators, literary translators, scriptwriters, poets, journalists and others. If your author-related activities usually make up a substantial amount of your annual income, then you are eligible to apply. The fund cannot cover publication costs, tuition fees or a specific writing project costs. They usually notify applicants of the outcome within four weeks. Visit the Society of Author’s website to find out more about the Authors’ Emergency Fund and how you can apply.
Stagehand Covid-19 Crew Relief Fund
This relief fund is for professionals in the live music industry who have lost their work as a result of Covid-19 and are falling through the cracks of Government support. In times of crisis, when virtually all earning opportunities are lost, almost everyone would benefit from grant aid. It is currently not unrealistic to assume that the return of live music to anything approaching normality will not begin until April 2021 at the earliest. Some tours re-scheduled for 2021 are already being moved to 2022. Our immediate plan is to help those in most need, those who are close to losing the roof over their head, or those that are struggling to put food on the table. We will open the fund to applications in October, preferring a 2 week application window followed by a two week checking and distribution period. The maximum grant in the initial round will be £500. In the unlikely event that there are excess funds, these will be used towards further Stagehand funding rounds. Grants will be considered to any UK crew worker who is working in the live music sector. PPL have donated £100,000 to the fund, which is open for applications from mid-October. Visit Stagehand’s website to find out more about the Crew Relief Fund and to check your eligibility / apply.
Talisman Charitable Trust
We help individuals in the UK who are on a low income and are “going short”. Grants are generally given to support education, health, housing, disablement or disability. Individuals should not apply directly. Instead, applications should be made on behalf of individuals by a local authority, another charity or a non-profit organisation, such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. The charity is run by a small number of people and has a small fund. Unfortunately the Trust only responds to successful applicants. The Trust usually gives a grant 4 weeks after receiving an application. If you have not heard back within this time frame, then unfortunately your application will have been unsuccessful. Visit The Talisman Charitable Trust’s website for more information about the fund.
The Prince’s Trust
They give grants to young people aged 16-30 who have experienced difficulties at school, have been in trouble with the law, are long-term unemployed or have been in care. The charity runs a number of programmes to help these young people. It also provides grants to young people who are on one of these programmes. You may be eligible if you are a UK resident and are:
• Aged 16 to 30
• No longer in compulsory education if aged 16 to 17
• Unemployed if aged 18 to 30, working less than 16 hours per week or in education for less than 14 hours per week.
Grants can’t be used to fund:
• Living expenses e.g. rent or bills
• Costs for things that have already been paid for
• Gap year or overseas projects
• Community projects
• Medical treatment
• Fees for courses higher than Level 3, e.g. NVQ Level 4, HNC, HND, Degree or post-grad courses
• Business start ups (If you’re interested in starting your own business, see our Enterprise programme for more information)
You can fill out a form on the Prince’s Trust website. They will usually reply within five working days. If you need assistance completing the form, you can call them on 0800 842 842 Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Visit the Prince’s Trust website to apply for funding.
Turn 2 Us
People in financial crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic can receive immediate help in the form of a cash grant from the national poverty charity, Turn2us. A one-off payment of £500 will not need to be paid back and is an expansion of the support the charity already provides via its grant making and support services. This crisis grant is intended to be a financial life line for people who meet the fund’s simple eligibility criteria, and will be put into people’s bank accounts as soon as possible. One million people have come to Turn2us for help in the last three weeks alone – a 520% increase. Applications are temporarily closed. Visit the Turn2us website to find out more about the Coronavirus Grant Fund and when you can apply.
CORONAVIRUS INDUSTRY ADVICE & GUIDANCE
Association of Independent Music (AIM): The not-for-profit trade body exclusively representing the UK’s independent music sector. Visit the AIM website for music business advice and support during Coronavirus. It includes advice on events, business disruption and financial assistance.
British Film Commission: They have produced a Working Safely During COVID-19 in Film and High-end TV Drama Production guide. Visit the British Film Commission’s website to download the Safety guide.
Cities and Memory: A global collaborative sound project encompassing field recording, sound art and sound mapping – remixing the world, one sound at a time. Every location on the Cities and Memory sound map features two sounds: the original field recording of that place, and a reimagined sound that presents that place and time as somewhere else, somewhere new. The listener can explore places through their actual sounds, to explore reimagined versions of what those places could be – or to flip between the two different sound worlds at leisure. The website is a helpful ongoing resource for anyone interested in sound and field recording at this time. Visit the Cities and Memory website for sound resources and projects for during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Film & TV Charity: The charity working behind the scenes of the UK film, TV and cinema industry since 1924. From research to writing, through casting and production, to editing, sales, distribution and exhibition, they support the lives of everyone involved. Today they offer a wide range of financial, practical and emotional support to people who have talent, spark and dedication… and yet find obstacles in their way. If you give your time and talent to film, TV or cinema, they’re here for you. Whether it’s to discuss legal queries, mental health and wellbeing, financial troubles, family issues, or your hopes and ambitions – you can call their free and confidential 24/7 support line on 0800 054 0000. Or visit the Film & TV Charity website to chat online.
Help Musicians UK: An independent UK charity for professional musicians of all genres, from starting out through to retirement. Music Minds Matter is Help Musicians UK’s free 24/7 support line for the UK music industry. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or about music – you can access free counselling and CBT over the phone or online from qualified counsellors. They offer emotional support, advice and information, and signpost to other specialist services including debt and legal advice, and Help Musicians UK grants. Whatever you’re going through right now, you can contact Music Minds Matter on 0808 802 8008 or email them at MMM@helpmusicians.org.uk. Visit the Help Musicians UK website for information, financial and health support during Coronavirus.
Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM): The UK’s professional body for musicians and subject association for music. Visit the ISM website for Coronavirus guidance for musicians and teachers (private or employed).
Independent Venue Week (IVW): A 7-day celebration of music venues around the country and a nod to the people that own, run and work in them, week in, week out. If you’re a grassroots music venue, visit the IVW website for help and advice on crowdfunding campaigns, cancellations and m
The Musicians Movement: They have curated a directory of resources that might be useful to musicians during this Covid-19 period. Visit the Musicians Movement website to see the latest advice, opportunies and online courses to support a return to work as we come out of lockdown.
Musicians Union (MU): An organisation which represents over 32000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business. Visit the MU website for mental health resources and services for musicians. It includes Music Minds Matter, Music Support, BAPAM and a Freelancers Guide. You can also join their mailing list to receive the latest advice for Coronavirus affected musicians.
Music Managers Forum (MMF): Since its inception in 1992, the MMF has worked hard to educate, inform and represent UK managers as well as offering a network through which managers can share experiences, opportunities and information. Their membership stands at over 850 managers based in the UK with global businesses and a wider network of over 2700 managers in the USA. If you’re a music manager visit the MMF website for advice about insurance, show cancellations and travel.
Music Venue Trust (MVT): A UK Registered Charity which acts to protect, secure and improve UK Grassroots Music Venues for the benefit of venues, communities and upcoming artists. If you’re a music venue visit the MVT website for information and guidance during Coronavirus.
PRS Foundation: The UK’s leading funder of new music and talent development. Whether you’ve already applied for funding, or if you were considering it in the future – visit the PRS Foundation website to get the latest Coronavirus advice for funding grantees and applicants.
ScreenSkills: The industry-led skills body for the screen industries. If you’re a freelancer visit the ScreenSkills website for information on managing money and accessing government and industry support during the Covid-19 Crisis.
ScreenSkills Coronavirus Basic Awareness on Production Training (online, free): Estimated time 40 minutes (module) + 20 minutes (assessment test). This online module is for those working on film and TV productions during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s designed for freelancers and crew to explain your personal responsibility in reducing the risk of coronavirus and prepare you for the safety measures productions are taking. The training was devised from official guidance compiled by industry with a focus on film and high-end TV. This means some of the language is specific to film and high-end TV but anyone working in physical production can take the module and benefit from it. It’s not compulsory to take this training but you may be instructed to do so by your production. By the end of this module you will:
• Understand how the coronavirus is transmitted
• Be prepared for the protocols your production company will have put in place to reduce the risk of transmission
• Know how to take care of your work environment, tools and equipment
• Understand the health and hygiene precautions you can take to protect yourself and others
• Know where to find the updated information and resources
Please be aware that each production will also have its own guidance based on its circumstances and risk assessments. To find out more and access the training visit the ScreenSkills website.
UK Broadcasters: They is guidance available on TV Production during Covid-19, and how to manage risks. ITV, BBC, Sky, Channel 4, Channel 5, STV, ITN, the Association for Commercial Broadcasters and On-Demand Services (COBA) and Pact joined forces to introduce new industry wide guidelines for producing television safely. The guidelines are intended to enable a return to production for the television industry. Visit Pact’s website to download the TV Production guidance.
UK Music: An industry-funded body that represents the collective interests of the recorded, published and live arms of the British music industry. UK Music is in continuous discussions with Government Ministers and officials about the impact of COVID-19 on the music industry. Public health advice can change from hour to hour, so regularly check the website for constantly updated information. Visit the UK Music website for information on Government health and travel advice, financial support, mental health, music education and industry advice.
UK Screen Alliance: UK Screen Alliance, in consultation with companies from the post and VFX sectors and industry bodies BFI, BFC, Pact and BECTU have published Guidance for safe working in Visual Effects and Post-Production during the Pandemic. The guidance aims to provide a framework for companies as they transition back to on-premises working with client attendance, whilst ensuring the safety of their employees, contractors, and clients. Visit UK Screen Alliance’s website to access the guidance.
Virtual Events Directory: This resource contains three main sections. 1) An introductory foreword discussing how the music industry mindset around live streaming is slowly shifting from dismissing the format as a “niche” or “nice-to-have,” to embracing the format as an imperative for ensuring global accessibility and reach amidst extreme conditions such as Coronavirus. 2) A list of tools that artists and speakers can use to host virtual shows, panels and meetups, especially in the wake of major festivals like SXSW, Ultra, Miami Music Week and Coachella getting postponed or cancelled. 3) A list of public livestreaming and virtual-event calendars, many of which are open to submissions. Visit the Virtual Events Directory for information, advice and guidance on hosting events online.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Coronavirus affects us all in different ways – now is an important time to remember to look after your health and well-being. Below are some Leeds based organisations that have useful resources on how you can cope. You can also get in touch with them if you need further support.
Are you in a mental health crisis and in need of urgent help? Speak to someone from NHS Leeds now by calling them for free (from landlines or mobiles): 0800 183 1485
For more general advice and support with mental health you can call the West Yorkshire support line 24/7: 0800 183 0558. Or you can call the Connect helpline on 0808 800 1212 (6pm – 2am, 7 days a week).
ActiveLeeds: To keep your body and mind healthy at home they have recently launched online resources for all ages, including home workout tutorials, guidance and information, and fun challenges to try at home. Visit the ActiveLeeds website for tips on keeping healthy and active during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service: Their treatments are available for people aged 17 and over who are registered with a Leeds GP. They provide support and psychological therapies for common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, which one in four of us will experience in our lives. There is a wide range of self-help therapy resources on their website including free online courses and videos. Visit the Leeds Mental Wellbeing website to find out more about their health services and how they can support you.
Leeds Mind: They provide a wide range of services including counselling and employment support. Visit the Leeds Mind website to see how they are delivering support during Coronavirus, and how you can access their services during this time.
MindMate: For ages 18 and under. A trusted Leeds-based website specifically for children and young people, their families and the professionals who support them. Visit the MindMate website for information on Coronavirus and how to take care of your mental wellbeing.
MindWell: For ages 18 and over. Coronavirus is affecting all of us and many people are feeling anxious and worried. This hub has resources, videos and information to help people in Leeds take care of their mental health at this challenging time. Visit the MindWell website for the latest information and resources to help you take care of your mental health at this time. It’s also helpful if you’re concerned about someone or if you’re a professional supporting others.
Young Black Minds: A Leeds Mind service in partnership with Black Health Initiative, open to male-identifying Black individuals, aged 16 to 25, who live in Leeds. It will create closed peer support community groups based on shared personal experience and empathy, focusing on strengths to help develop skills and strategies to maintain mental health and wellbeing. The delivery of each group is co-produced with its group members to meet their specific needs. While Covid-19 continues to impact day-to-day life in Leeds, group sessions will take place online. Worried about getting online or how to use Zoom? Get in touch with us and we can help. Groups start from 21st October 2020. To register your interest and book email peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk with Young Black Minds as the subject, or call 0113 305 5800. You can also visit the Leeds Mind website to find out more about Young Black Minds.
For the latest accurate Coronavirus information please see the websites below.
Government Website: Visit the Government website for the latest Coronavirus information and advice.
Leeds City Council Website: Call the helpline on 0113 378 1877 if you’re self-isolating and don’t have friends or family nearby who can help. Volunteers can help you with shopping, transport to medical appointments, or a call to check how you are. Visit the Leeds City Council website to find out how council services are affected during Coronavirus and how you can get help.
NHS Website: Includes information about symptoms, people at high risk, testing, Coronavirus in children, social distancing and more. Visit the NHS website for health advice on Coronavirus.
