skip to main content

Greater Manchester Commissions Creative Responses to COVID-19

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has granted 60 micro commissions worth £500.

Published: 31 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Manchester skyline
Work created will form a permanent archive of Greater Manchester’s creative response to COVID-19. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

These commissions are to be given to selected artists and creators, based in Greater Manchester, across all artforms (music, art, poetry, theatre, short stories, design, gaming, stories etc). Work created will form a permanent archive of Greater Manchester’s creative response to COVID-19.

Applicants are not asked to submit the new work in response to the call for commissions (to save people not selected creating speculatively, and then ending up unpaid for the time spent on creation).  Instead applicants are asked to provide information on previous work and a brief summary of the work they would like to create.

Once decisions have been made, artists will be advanced funds and given a month to deliver the commission. As commissions come in, they will be shared in an online archive available to all.

To request an application form, email CultureTeam@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.

You can read more details here.

Help us represent you

Greater Manchester Combined Authority listened to the needs of local musicians, artists and other creatives when creating their new commission.

So that we can represent your needs, it’s important that we keep hearing from you too. Keep letting us know how COVID-19 has been affecting you work by completing our short survey.

Even if you’ve completed it before, if things have changed then please update us.

How have you been impacted?

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI
Close up of violin and bow.

Pernambuco Bows to Remain on Appendix II

A proposal to move pernambuco to Appendix I, which would have effectively halted international trade in the wood used for professional string instrument bows, has been rejected after lobbying by the MU and partners, ensuring continued access for musicians and stronger species protections.

Published: 15 December 2025

Read more about Pernambuco Bows to Remain on Appendix II