Information and Guidance for Artists, Organisations and Freelancers

In our recent survey, we asked you what you needed right now. In response to what you told us, we have pulled together some information and advice for artists, organisations and freelancers impacted by COVID-19. 

Please get in touch if you would like to add something to this page, or have a question: [email protected]. 

RESOURCES FROM SUNDERLAND CULTURE 

We have been asking the facilitators leading our online creative industry support sessions to produce resources for people who may not be able to attend. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media expert, The Culture Vulture has talks about The “New Normal” Digital Landscape, with handy hints and tips for individual creative practitioners, businesses and organisations navigating the new online world. 

CV New Normal PDF 

COMMUNICATING CONFIDENTLY ONLINE
Throughout lockdown, award-winning theatre company, Mortal Fools, have been delivering workshops in how to communicate well online. Here they offer some suggestions and confidence-boosting exercises to try at home. 

MF Digital Communication PDF 

DEVELOPING YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE and CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIPS – GUIDANCE SESSIONS

The recording of the DYCP session and additional guidance notes can be found in the folder here. The recording of the Creative Development Fellowship session can be found in the folder here.  Please note that no one is an expert on this!  The sessions provide guidance from Laura Brewis who has experience applying for funding and reading funding applications.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES NEWSLETTERS

Sent out by Katie Mitchell, these newsletters are a cull of opportunities, events, learning and commissions that are found across a variety of social media channels.  To subscribe and receive this directly in your inbox, fill in the form here.  The newsletter is by no means exhaustive, but reflects a decent selection  of support that may have been missed in the endless scroll.

14 Jan – Newsletter Vol 1
28 Jan – Newsletter Vol 2
11 Feb – Newsletter Vol 3 – COMING SOON

RESOURCES FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS 

ADVICE AND SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS & CREATIVE ORGANISATIONS
– Live Art Development Agency – Information for Artists and Arts Workers
– Creative Review – Guide for creative support during coronavirus
– UNLIMITED – Resources and opportunities for disabled artists and freelancers in response to Covid-19
Tips for working remotely when you’re deaf (with BSL videos) with Jo Wooden
– Free Creative Industries Federation Membership for 6 months
Acumen Academy – Fundraising Essentials
Writing Better Bids

FUNDS FOR THE WIDER CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
– Community Foundation – Coronavirus funds
– Arts Council England – Updates, Guidance and COVID 19 Support
– Grants Online
Arts Council Project Grants 

ONLINE NETWORKING AND DIGITAL SKILLS
– Tech Nation
– Get Creative
Engaging an Online Audience – presenting well online 

BUSINESS / MARKETING/ AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
– Arts Marketing Association Webinars
– Freelance Artist Resources
– Cuseum webinars – Creating content and engaging audiences
– Online Business Support via NE-BIC (call 0191 516 6111) 

PERFORMING ARTS, FILM & MEDIA PROFESSIONALS
– Support for Theatre Professionals During Coronavirus
The Theatrical Guild
Dance Professionals Fund
Actor’s Benevolent Fund
BFI Support Fund
Director’s Support Scheme
Equity Benevolent Fund

MUSIC
PRS – The Open Fund for Music Creators
– Youth Music Network – Emergency Fund
– Musicians Union – Hardship Fund

VISUAL ARTS AND CRAFT
– a-n The Artists Information Company
– Artist Support Pledge to support sale of artworks
– Craft Opportunities Facebook Group
– CVAN Network Opportunities
– Film Hub North – latest updates
South Tyneside Creative Industries Facebook Group
– Tyne and Wear Cultural Freelancers Facebook Group

WRITERS
– Society of Authors – Authors Emergency Fund
– ALCS – COVID Advice and Resources
– Spread the Word – funding for writers
– National Association of Writers in Education – coronavirus advice 

HERITAGE & MUSEUMS
– National Lottery Heritage Fund – coronavirus update and Heritage Emergency Fund
– Historic England – the heritage sector and coronavirus
– Heritage Alliance
Museum Jobs Desk – National jobs desk for museum, culture and heritage, including commissions, volunteer roles and governance positions

NHS AND GOVERNMENT ADVICE
– NHS Advice – COVID 19
– UK Government – COVID-19: guidance for employees, employers and businesses
– UK Government – COVID-19 Industry Guidance
– Sunderland City Council Advice and support
– EU Guidance on Coronavirus
– Apply for Universal Credit 

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
– Mind – Coronavirus and your wellbeing
– BBC – Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health
– Samaritans
– Film and TV Charity – 24 hour Support Line
– Northern Mental Health
– MARCH Network – Creative Isolation resources to support creativity for mental health during lockdown
– Coping During Covid-19 – a guide to students from students

 

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