Coronavirus Covid-19: Information, support and guidance for artists, creative freelancers and arts organisers

The gallery is temporarily closed. We are making plans to re-open safely, in line with government advice – follow us on social media (Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Facebook) for the latest updates on when and how we plan to re-open.

In the meantime, however, our work continues. We’re continuing to support artists, curators and writers. Our artist development programmes remain live and are now being delivered online. Explore the rest of the site to find out what we’re doing online, and with artists and participants during lockdown.

We have also compiled some of the opportunities and support that’s available to artists, creative freelancers, arts organisations and the wider visual arts community here and below.

Freelands Foundation Emergency Fund

Applications will open on Thursday 7th May 2020 at 2pm, close on Thursday 18th June 2020 and decisions will be made on a weekly basis. This fund will support grants of £1,500 to £2,500 per person, assessed by need, with £1 million going to those living in England and £500k to those in Northern Ireland.

The Freelands Foundation Emergency Fund is part of a total of £3m of funding committed by the Freelands Foundation to support artists and creative practitioners across the UK during the pandemic. This 1.5m fund follows a £1m contribution to the Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary and £500k to the Arts Council of Wales Urgent Relief Fund for Individuals

Further info: https://www.a-n.co.uk/about/freelands-foundation-emergency-fund/

a-n are also working with Arts Council England to distribute £300,000 of financial support for artists and arts organisers who make exhibitions happen, in England. This fund will be available to (but is not limited to) self-employed art handlers, technicians, art installers, conservators and restorers, and those who help other artists in the production of their work. Applications will be open soon and details shared via a-n social media channels.

a-n The Artists Information Company recently carried out a Covid-19 impact survey with over 4,000 a-n members to gauge the impact of the virus on their work. You can view the results below:

Download the a-n report.

Download an infographic of the a-n survey results .

Read more about the a-n survey.

Arts Council England

Arts Council England has announced a £160 million emergency response package to support individuals and organisations across the cultural sector in response to the Covid-19 crisis. This includes £20 million being made available to individuals working in the cultural sector, including artists, creative practitioners, and freelancers and £50 million for organisations outside the National Portfolio. nb applications for these funds have now closed.

Register here to receive the latest Arts Council England COVID-19 advice, guidance and emergency .

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

HM Revenue and Customs has published guidance on its scheme for self-employed people whose income has been affected by coronavirus Covid-19.

Full details of this scheme.

IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed

IPSE is posting regular updates and advice for freelancers and the self-employed, including this proposal for a fund for the self-employed facing coronavirus.

If you need to get in touch with us, please email Castlefield Gallery at info@castlefieldgallery.co.uk, or where applicable associates@castlefieldgallery.co.uk.

This page has been updated with the latest information, to the best of our knowledge, on Tuesday 9 June 2020.