SUPPORT FOR NI & UK MUSICIANS & MUSIC BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19
05 May 2020
- Musicians
Help Musicians Coronavirus Hardship Fund
Who can apply?
- Performers, composers/creators, those directly involved in the production of music, or those who work in a role where the main qualification is a high level of musical training
- Individuals who are self-employed or currently unemployed
How much is available?
- A one-off payment of £500 per person
How do I apply?
- Via an online form. More information is available here.
Irish Music Industry COVID Relief Fund
Who can apply?
- Irish (resident in Ireland or an Irish national) music creators, including songwriters, composers, performers, session musicians and arrangers
How much is available?
- A one-off emergency relief payment of up to €750 EUR
How do I apply?
- Via an online application form. More information is available here.
NI Creative Support Fund
Who can apply?
- Artists Emergency Programme – this is open to musicians, performers and creative practitioners. Applications must demonstrate that funds will be used for the creation of works/projects that will support future public engagement.
How much is available?
- Artists Emergency Programme – up to £5,000 per applicant
How do I apply?
- Artists Emergency Programme – this requires an Expression of Interest form, a CV, a budget, and proof of previous experience of delivering work for the public benefit. More information is available here.
The Musicians’ Union Hardship Fund
Who can apply?
- UK residents who are members of the Musicians’ Union or joint members of the Musicians’ Union and the National Education Union (NEU)
How much is available?
- A one-off grant of £200 per person
How do I apply?
- Via an application form on the Musicians’ Union website. More information is available here.
PRS for Music Emergency Relief Fund
Who can apply?
- All PRS for Music members
How much is available?
- Grants of up to £1000 per person
How do I apply?
- Via an online application form. More information is available here.
PRS Foundation Sustaining Creativity Fund
Who can apply?
- UK music creators experiencing hardship form loss of work due to COVID-19
- The grant is to help music creators continue to create exceptional new music – this is not a hardship fund
How much is available?
- Grants of £750 per person
How do I apply?
- Read the guidance available and complete the online application form. More information is available here.
2. Freelancers and contractors
AIM Support Fund
Who can apply?
- Contractors and freelancers working with artists signed to AIM member labels (e.g. tour crews, studio producers, mixing engineers, radio pluggers, graphic designers, stylists, photographers, publicists, and managers)
- Applicants must not be eligible for any other music industry hardship funds
- UK and Ireland nationals and residents
How much is available?
- A fund of £1 million is available
How do I apply?
- You must be nominated for the fund by the AIM member that had contracted you for the lost work. More information is available here.
Crew Nation
Who can apply?
- Members of touring or venue crews, both front of house and backstage staff, who make 50% or more of their income from this field
How much is available?
- A one-off grant equivalent to $1000 USD
How do I apply?
- More information is available here.
3. Small Businesses
Small Business Grant Scheme
Who can apply?
- Small businesses that already pay reduced business rates because of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)
How much is available?
- A one-off grant of £10,000
How do I apply?
- Via the NI Department for the Economy website. More information is available here.
4. Other useful information
- This website lists a range of support and advice for musicians during the coronavirus period, including information on funding, legal and business advice, working online, mental health and other health matters.
- The mental health charity Music Support has partnered with Thrive to provide 1,000 individuals with free access to wellbeing and mental health support.
- Music and You have created a number of resources to help us look after our wellbeing, including stress, anxiety and our mental health, during these times.
- The Musicians’ Union is offering free online medication sessions to support the wellbeing of the music community during the pandemic.
- A free, confidential, around the clock helpline run by Help Musicians for the entire music industry.
- A helpline for anyone in the music industry suffering from alcoholism, addiction, emotional or mental health issues.