Minister Hargey stated she wants to do more to ensure Artists and the sector are supported during these unprecedented times. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
The Minister is planning to find ways to support individual artists, performers, creative producers and organisations create work in new ways including digital delivery during this difficult time.
For now the minister is exploring options to introduce a support fund for individual artists and institutions, and details should be announced soon. And she has also urged the Arts Council Northern Ireland to act immediately to roll over 2019-20 grant awards into 2020-21.
Minister Hargey’s plans in full
Minister Hargey explained:
“I am exploring options to introduce a new £1million COVID-19 Creative Support Fund which will be a mechanism to support individual artists and institutions. The funding support will enable them to present work in new and innovative ways in the current climate, helping combat social isolation and wellbeing challenges. I will keep this funding amount under review.”
"I have also authorised a donation of £10k to the Go Fund Me “Bread and Butter” initiative, which gives grants of £200 to artists, to ensure that they are able to pay for food. This funding will support 50 artist through the initiative.”
Welcoming the series of measures already announced by the Arts Council to relax funding conditions and exercise flexibility in respect of existing contracts, Minister Hargey stated she wants to do more to ensure Artists and the sector are supported during these unprecedented times.
Read the full story on the Minister’s announcement for further support on the Department for Communities website.
Accessing urgent financial support
For more information on sources of financial assistance in times of hardship, and guidance on Government benefits see our Financial Support page.