Blog Support for Self-Employed Artists Last updated: 2nd April 2020 We are going through very difficult and uncertain times right now, with things changing daily. Although this is a challenging time for everyone, we are aware that it will be particularly stressful for the self-employed and freelance workers that make up a third of the creative sector.1 At the Geraldine Connor Foundation, our priority at this time is the health and wellbeing of the artists and practitioners we work with. We are available for questions, advice and support so please do not hesitate to get in touch. We have pulled together a list of places to find information about financial support over the coming months. Government Website https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus For reliable advice and guidance please look at the government’s website. They have outlined all the new support they are offering and you can check whether you are eligible for certain benefits such as Universal Credit and Statutory Sick Pay. This will be the most accurate and up-to-date site to use. On Thursday 26th March, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. If you are self-employed and traded in the tax year 2019-20, you should be able to claim a grant for 80% of your average monthly profits from the last three years. To be eligible for this grant, you must have submitted your Income Tax Self-Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018-19. If you have not done this yet, you must do so before 23rd April 2020. Find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme. Arts Council England https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19 On 24th March, the Arts Council announced £160 million of emergency funding for organisations and individuals who need it during the COVID-19 crisis. £20 million of this will be available for creative practitioners, artists and freelancers working in the cultural sector. Grants of up to £2,500 will be available to practitioners that have a track record in publicly funded cultural work. There will be two rounds of applications, with the budget split equally between them. They suggest that you apply for the round that best suits you so don't worry if you would struggle to write an application before the first deadline. The first round opens on Thursday 9th April, with a deadline of Thursday 16th April. The second round opens on Thursday 16th April, with a deadline of Thursday 30th April. Please note: you need to register on the application portal, Grantium a few days before the deadline for each round. Visit the Arts Council England's website for the full details. Money Saving Expert https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/ Money Saving Expert is a really useful website for general tips and tricks to save money but at the moment it is providing a comprehensive list of all the financial help available, as well as your rights when it comes to matters such as mortgage holidays, loans and benefits. Creative Industries Federation https://www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/ The Creative Industries Federation is a membership body that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries. They have a collated a range of information for self-employed and freelance workers, which can be found here: https://www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/news/guidance-sector-freelance-and-self-employed As an organisation, GCF want to be there for the artists we support whether they are new to the industry or are established in their field. This is a worrying time for all of us so please stay in touch and let us know if you need any support. You can email Selina on [email protected].