Scottish Government and Creative Scotland announce new £8million hardship fund for creative freelancers impacted by the pandemic
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NEW funding guidance for a Scottish Government scheme to help freelance workers in creative roles has been published today.
The trust offers awards of between £500 and £2000 to those working in the arts, screen and creative sectors who are experiencing financial hardship due to the loss of income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fund is administered through Creative Scotland and forms part of the government's £16million cultural recovery fund which was announced on Friday 18 February 2022.
Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland said: "We are very grateful for this funding from the Scottish Government to help address the ongoing challenges being faced by those working in Scotland’s creative sector.
“Funds are finite, and we expect a high level of demand, therefore we will trust that those who request these funds are in need of emergency funding at this time. We strongly encourage people to fully consider their needs before making a request to this programme.”
The scheme will open for two rounds of applications, with opportunities to apply at 2pm on Wednesday 23 February and again from 2pm on Wednesday 02 March.
The Fund will remain open until all of the budget has been allocated and it is anticipated that all eligible recipients will receive money in their account within 6 weeks of submission of a request.
Previous recipients of Covid-19 funds for creative freelancers are also eligible to apply for a further award of up to £2,000 through this round.
Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “We welcome the launch of Creative Scotland’s £8 million Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers. The last two years have been extremely tough for these individuals who make up a significant proportion of the workforce across the creative industries.
“Supporting freelancers to stay in the sector is crucial for the work they produce which enriches our lives and communities and the wider contribution it makes to our economy.”
Further guidance can be read on the Creative Scotland website.
