With cultural buildings such as theatres, galleries, cinemas and music venues remaining closed even as the coronavirus lockdown eases – and outdoor festivals and gatherings cancelled or postponed until next year – artists are facing the hardest of hard times.

Emergency funding has been made available through various Government-backed schemes, but many artists who lost their livelihoods overnight are falling through the cracks, left to count the cost as bills mount.

Undeterred, b-side has brought together a host of Dorset arts organisations and artists to launch a Crowdfunder campaign to raise money to meet urgent short-term financial needs.

b-side, Activate Performing Arts, Arts Development Company, Artsreach, Bournemouth Arts by the Sea, Diverse City, Dorset Music Hub, Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, Opera Circus, Pavilion Dance South West, SEAFAIR, SoundStorm, Wave Arts Education, have rallied in support of the Dorset (& Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Artists’ Emergency Fund .

The fund is for all Dorset-based artists, including (but not limited to) visual artists, musicians, comedians, performers, directors, actors, writers, filmmakers, theatre makers, producers, curators, clowns. To apply artists must be aged 18 or over, have a bank account and be unable to pay for essential living costs because of the loss of freelance income. Grants of between £100 and £500 are available.

If you are in financial hardship you can apply here:
https://bit.ly/dorset-artist-emergency-fund

If you would like to support Dorsets artists please donate to The Crowdfunder campaign HERE 

Full press release can be downloaded below.

 

Above artwork by The Wooden Spoon Press.