The current Covid-19 crisis has left a lot of arts organisations and freelance creative practitioners concerned about the future.  Whilst there have been announcements from central government and grant funders about support, it can be hard to navigate that field if you’re not familiar with it.

We are offering weekly slots to practitioners in the sector working in Bedfordshire to speak to a member of our team for support or advice.

Slots will be offered on a first-come-first served basis in the coming weeks and can be used for up to 30 minutes of time on a topic of your choice.

Suggestions on how we might be able to help include:

• Reading & reviewing a grant application
• Offering a creative review of a project idea
• Help consider re-designing work that needs to change
• Understanding fundraising terminology
• Having a cry over a cup of tea “virtually”

Of course, we may not always be in a position to help but we’re aware that sometimes just knowing that someone is listening can be incredibly valuable.

Over the coming weeks we’ll be exploring how else we might be able to help the sector come together and keep connected – new ideas are always welcome!

To request a slot please email office@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk with your request and your time availability and we’ll endeavour to respond to everyone.

Here is a reminder of the support available known to us:

In case you’re not aware of the resources that are currently being shared, we’d like to draw your attention to Arts Council England’s emergency fund for artists and organisations that are not NPOs affected by Covid-19.

This includes:

• the Outdoor Arts Sector Support Fund, which has been launched by OAUK
• AN has announced financial support for freelance artists and arts organisers
• Dance Fund is offering emergency funding for dancers
• Equity Charitable Trust is offering funds for a broad spectrum of creative professionals including actors, performers, stage management, storytellers, TV/radio presenters etc
• Help Musicians has launched a £5m coronovirus hardship fund
• The Theatrical Guild has funds for anyone involved in stage work, be they engineer/tech, involved in costume through to box office staff
• There is also a grant for writers in need from The Society of Authors.

This is not an exhaustive list, however, we will endeavour to keep sharing as many suitable links as and when they appear via our social networks and e-newsletters.