Arts freelancer fund delivery partners unveiled ahead of launch

THE delivery partners for a £5 million Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers have been unveiled.

Crafts Council and Craft Scotland, Help Musicians, Society of Authors and Visual Arts Scotland have been confirmed as partners to assist Creative Scotland in the delivery of the Scottish Government-backed fund.

Subject to confirmation, BECTU will also be partnering with Creative Scotland on the delivery of this funding.

The specific sector expertise of these partners will help ensure the hardship funds reach as many freelancers across different creative sectors as possible, working with Creative Scotland who will deliver the funds to creative freelancers who work in the sectors not covered by the partner organisations

Eligibility criteria for the fund is set to be published on Thursday, October 22 followed by the fund opening for application at 12 noon, Monday, October 26.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Culture is vitally important to all of our lives in Scotland.

"This is an extremely worrying time for many people involved in culture and creative industries, particularly creative freelancers and practitioners whose work is integral not only to the economy, but to the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

“Many continue to face uncertain futures while much of their sectors remain unable to operate, and it is important that we can offer financial support while we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic.

“This fund will provide emergency support to creative freelancers in Scotland who are experiencing hardship as a result of the pandemic. Working closely with partners in industry to deliver this fund will help Creative Scotland ensure support reaches people as quickly as possible.”

The Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers is one of a series of Scottish Government emergency funds for creativity and culture being administered through Creative Scotland.