Creative Industries Federation and Arts Council England are producing some helpful guidance into what to do about the virus and how budget announcements might support freelancers and small arts organisations.
Posted: 03/12/2020
Caroline Norbury, CEO of Creative Industries Federation and Creative England has published a helpful guide with advice on Coronavirus and other announcements by Government in yesterday’s Budget.
She says: ‘The self-employed will benefit from a designated helpline, easier access to benefits, removal of the Universal Credit income floor and access to the governments £1.5 million hardship fund.’
and
‘Positive measures for small and medium-sized businesses (99.9% of our sector) include statutory sick pay refunded by government in full up to 14 days, £3000 cash grants and easier access to loans.’
Their complete statement can be found here.
Arts Council England have a dedicated
coronavirus email if you have concerns coronavirus-queries@artscouncil.org.uk
and they also have a section on their website with updated information.
They advise everyone: ‘that although the risk remains moderate it would be prudent to prepare and consider adjustments to your business plans if we move into the later stages of the governments action plan. Consider the level of disruption that might be caused. If you are a public facing venue you may have to close for a period of time, cancel planned events or take action if staff are taken ill.’
They also state: ‘We understand that these are challenging and uncertain times and whilst we do not have a pot of money available for intervention for something so unprecedented we urge you to contact us if you have concerns. We will continue to work closely with colleagues at DCMS to advocate for the sector and pass intelligence in both directions.’
Lewisham Live
This statement will appear shortly on the Lewisham Live website
You
will all be aware of the current Coronavirus concerns.
All of
us involved in Lewisham Live want to do our best to keep all our staff,
participants and families safe. At this time we intend to continue to plan for
and run all our various events unless circumstances change in terms of advice
from Public Health England.
We will
communicate with schools about individual events if we have any further
information. If any schools have specific concerns please contact the
lead partner organisation.
If you are a school who for some reason is not sure who to contact please email Natalie Clarke, the Lewisham Live Festival Co-ordinator telling her which show or event your school is taking part in and she will pass on your message to the correct partner organisation.
Public Health England and the Department of Education has some useful advice for educational settings, that is helpful for the rest of us too. Please find it here.
