Welsh government creates £7 million Covid-19 fund for creative freelancers
A £7 million fund has been established by the Welsh Government to provide grants to creative freelancers in Wales who have been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Freelancers who are eligible and have their submission approved will be offered £2,500 each, with applications opening on 5 October.
This new funding scheme will run over two phases, specifically targeting freelance workers in the arts, creative industries and heritage sectors. Research by the Wales Freelance Taskforce found that more than a third of freelancers working in the cultural sector do not have sufficient income to live on as a result of the pandemic and resulting arts shutdown, with around a third considering leaving the performing arts profession due to the effects of Covid-19. The group said that it welcomed the Welsh governments acknowledgement of the ‘value and contribution’ of arts freelancers in Wales.
The Welsh government’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Dafydd Elis-Thomas described the freelance workforce as “such an important part of the Welsh economy” and has stated that the fund will recognise their contribution to Wales’ communities, creativity and economy.
Sian Gale, from entertainment union BECTU Cymru, said: “Although the TV and film industry is gradually getting back to work, this is not the case for creatives working in theatres and live events who have not only helped make the creative industries one of the most economically and culturally successful sectors in Wales, but have a huge, positive impact on the well-being of our communities”.
A freelancer pledge is also being discussed by the Welsh Government, which would see public services partner with creative freelancers “to bring creativity and imagination to all areas of public life”. If this plan was to go ahead, it would be the first of its kind in the UK.
Sophie Howe, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has said that the proposal would present “a big opportunity” for culture to play a role in the country’s recovery from Covid-19.
She said: “The optional pledge to work with public services will allow creatives to help build art and culture into everything from hospitals to town centres, improving the way we all live. This is hopefully the start of us moving towards a system where much more value is placed on culture and creativity – better supporting those who do that vital work.”
To see if you are eligible, please click here.
Written by: Rebecca Wallis
