Covid-19 Information and Advice

Updates from LEAN

We’re still working remotely- read our message about our temporary office closure here- and you can get in touch by email, twitter or video call. We’re still running our one-to-one advice sessions, read more here if you’re interested in some remote guidance!  

General Information and Advice

• The Creative Industries Federation have produced a helpful document which breaks down the financial support which has been announced from the government including the job retention scheme and the self-employment support scheme >> Link here
  
  
• Arts Professional’s CovidCulture microsite is a space for news and information relating to the coronavirus pandemic, and how it might affect working in the arts. They have links to online health and wellbeing resources and activities to try during lockdown >> Link here
  
  
• The Mayor of London’s Culture at Risk team has a good list of sector-specific information, advice and support schemes including some simple factsheets >> Link here
  
  
• Lewisham Council and Lewisham Local are coordinating Lewisham’s Community Response to Coronavirus. You can request support or volunteer your help >> Link here
  
  
• Working safely During Coronavirus - Performing Arts. The Government has produced guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants. It was updated on 9 July and can be found here. 

Information for freelancers and self-employed

Finance and Funding

• We have a regularly updated list of funding opportunities during the crisis > Link here
  
  
• HMRC has a set up a phone helpline to support businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax and give practical help and advice.The helpline number is 0800 0159 559 and you can read more on the website >> Link here

• The Creative Industries Federation have produced a helpful document which breaks down the financial support which has been announced from the government including the job retention scheme and the self-employment support scheme >> Link here

Events, training and other resources

• LEAN will continue to run Arts Freelancer Breakfast Club monthly via Zoom. Our next event is on 2 July >> Link here
  
  
• List of information and advice organised by art form>> Link here
  
  
• We will continue to update our events and CPD sections with relevant opportunities.
  
  
• Leapers have a library of information for freelancers on working and staying well during the crisis. All their resources are presented in an easily digestible format >> Link here
  
  
• BECTU, (union for staff, contract and freelance workers in the media and entertainment industries) have complied advice for members, including information for freelancers working in film and TV and workers in theatre, live events and the arts >> Link here

Offers for freelancers

• The Creative Industries Federation are currently offering free community membership to all freelancers, sole traders and micro-businesses/charities (with less than 10 employees) for six months, to support organisations during this challenging period >> Link here

Information for arts  and community organisations

Funding

We will continue to update our opportunities section with funding opportunities. 

Information for ACE Grant Recipients: If you are a National Portfolio Organisation or Music Education Hub, please contact your Relationship Manager if you have a specific question or concern about your organisation and the effects of the Coronavirus. ACE have also set up a central email address for all other queries: Coronavirus-queries@artscouncil.org.uk >> Find out more here

Events and training 

We will continue to update our events and CPD sections with relevant opportunities.

Offers for arts and community organisations 

• Crowdfunder is partnering with Creative England to give creative organisations a platform to sell goods and services in advance and raise funds. It will not charge a fee for the use of the platform >>Link here
• Arts Professional will promote training events for free on its listings. (Fill in the form and skip the payment section). The paywall to access articles relating to Covid-19 has also been removed >> Link here
• The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has made its resources for members available to all, with materials on everything to governance and safeguarding to funding and covid-19 guidance >> Link here