Covid-19 has caused major disruption to so many aspects of ordinary life, including to the ability of lots of artists and creatives to make, teach or exhibit.

In response to this, our partner organisation, Design-Nation, have put together a list of useful resources, links, and funding opportunities that might be of use to people working in the creative industries.

UK Government support and advice

UK Government’s official page on business support including job retention scheme and help for the self-employed.

UK Government link to find out if you are eligible for self employed grants (based on your UTR.)

Financial support – advice on bank loans & overdrafts, mortgage rights & payments from the Financial Conduct Authority. The FCA aims to make financial markets work well so that consumers get a fair deal, and secures appropriate levels of protection for consumers.

Employee rights and advice from ACAS: the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, who work with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships. An independent public body that receives funding from the government.

Medically vulnerable: How to register officially as vulnerable, which will aid with food deliveries.

Arts funders, advisory and industry bodies

Arts Council England support for artists

Crafts Council (England) – advice and a range of stories and resources

Creative Scotland support

Craft Scotland guide and resources

Arts Council Wales advice for individuals and organisations

Arts Council Northern Ireland guidance and updates

http://artscouncil-ni.org/news/coronavirus-covid-19-advice

Crafts NI resources for makers

Art, craft& freelancer specialist groups

Artists-Network (AN England) information and guidance for artists and art organisers

The Design Trust resources – in general and specific for DN members. The Design Trust is an online business school for makers and designers with a wealth of resources and a useful blog. NB Design-Nation has an ongoing partnership with The Design Trust to provide online training workshops for DN members. In late March 2020 a session was run on ‘Learn to Teach Your Creative Skills Online’ for which DN funded all 60 places. From April TDT will work on a developing a bespoke programme for DN members tailored to the current situation. Get in touch with Design-Nation for more information.

Life coach and writer Gabrielle Treanor has developed a very helpful graphic to help process emotions around COVID-19 which we have shared above. (We love that she has a background in 2D and graphic design and could easily have been a DN member herself.) For full advice from Gabrielle on how to use this chart, please visit her website. DN are now in discussion with Gabrielle about offering sessions to our our members.

Facebook freelancers group: Anti-viral Work for Freelancers and Small Businesses

Facebook craft professionals’ group Critical Craft Forum has a lot of teachers and lecturers who are sharing tips on how to teach craft skills online, plus general discourse on the sector

DEZEEN magazine’s rolling guide to postponed and cancelled events worldwide in the sector.

Information courtesy Design-Nation

Last updated: 17 Apr 2020