Help Musicians UK launch Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund for artists affected by pandemic

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Help Musicians UK, the body set up to support independent musicians, has launched a Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund that will offer funds of £500 to musicians who’ve been affected by the ongoing pandemic.

The fund will be reserved for musicians who can prove that they’re “suffering significant financial hardship” amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with an online form having been posted online here for people to apply for help. £5 million has been set aside by Help Musicians for the fund.

There a number of eligibility requirements included in the application, including age, citizenship status and musical capabilities. The application also requests proof of high-level musical skill, either through video, audio footage or some other means. 

The organisation says that it will try to inform all applicants whether they have been successful or not within 10 days of receiving an application. Funds will be transferred via direct deposit into successful applicants’ bank accounts. People can only apply to the fund once, and they will only receive one payment. 

The coronavirus pandemic has caused major trouble across the music industry in recent weeks, owing to the mass cancellation of events and bans on gatherings across various countries. You can find out how you can support people within the industry who’ve been affected by the pandemic here.

Last week, the UK government announced a plan to help self-employed people who’ve been affected by the pandemic, though admitted that financial support likely wouldn’t come until June.

PRS for Music also launched the Emergency Relief Fund to help artists last week. Grants worth up to £1000 are being allocated to artists affected by the pandemic on an individual basis.