COVID-19 advice and support for musicians, creatives and teachers
In these uncertain times, it can be difficult to know where to even start looking for support, as a musician, artist, creative practitioner or teacher. We’ve collected some useful links to aid musicians through the COVID-19 situation.
This page will be updated with any further relevant information over the coming weeks.
Support and advice
Arts Council England has just announced its emergency funding package for freelancers, artists and creative practitioners outside their National Portfolio.
Help Musicians/CoronaMusicians is a central source of support and advice for all musicians during the coronavirus period. A collaboration between Help Musicians, ISM, The Ivors Academy, Music Managers Forum, Music Producers Guild, MU and UK Music.
The Musician’s Union, Help Musicians and the Incorporated Society of Musicians websites have up-to-date advice and support for musicians, including Financial Hardship Funds.
A COVID-19 advice hub has been set up on the ISM website, which contains free guidance on all aspects of the situation, from finances and work to staying healthy and succeeding online.
The ISM also has a webpage dedicated to advice for performers and you can find specific advice about contracts, orchestral work and theatre work on the Musician’s Union website.
Advice for music teachers and guidance for online teaching can be found on Musician’s Union website and the ISM give specific advice for private teachers, employed teachers, and self-employed teachers.
The PRS Emergency Relief Fund has been established, for PRS composer and songwriter members experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19 measures.
The Royal Society of Musicians offer advice on living expenses, rehabilitation, counselling, referral to specialist practitioners or consultations with financial advisers.
Artist Network are sharing information and guidance for artists and arts organisers
‘Anti-viral work for freelancers and small businesses’ is a new Facebook group where the community share challenges, advice, support and resources
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme supports small and medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover of up to £45m, to access loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5 million for up to six years.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme may enable you to claim for your employees’ wages. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to Coronavirus here.
United States support
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Relief Fund
Sweet Relief COVID-19 Fund
Government and health advice
The Government’s latest advice on COVID-19 can be found here and please see the NHS website for more information about the virus. Further helpful websites include Mind and Music Minds Matter.
9 April 2020
