skip to main content

Wales Update: Lobbying and The Freelancer Fund

An update on the recent election results in Wales, the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the next round of the Freelancer Fund and the joint Q&A session that we will be hosting for applicants.

Photo ofAndy Warnock
By Andy Warnock Published: 11 May 2021 | 6:16 PM Updated: 13 May 2021 | 12:04 PM
Photograph of a man playing an acoustic guitar, he is outdoors in the sunshine, and a sun flare covers his face.
The next round of funding will be distributed through a new process that will assess applications in relation to various criteria. Photo credit: Shutterstock

We were very pleased by the excellent results for Welsh Labour in the Senedd, and police and crime commissioner elections over the weekend. We’d like to congratulate Mark Drakeford and everyone involved on a successful campaign, and we look forward to working with Welsh Labour, as well as MSs from the other parties, over the next five years.

We are particularly focused on engaging with Welsh Government on music education following the very welcome commitment to progress in that area in Welsh Labour’s manifesto.

In terms of Covid-19, the last few weeks have seen welcome further movement in the relaxation of restrictions in Wales, which have been reflected in our online guidance, and will hopefully continue with the proposed move down to alert level 2 on Monday 17 May.

However, we are keenly aware of the need for further progress on enabling a return to live performance with audiences, and are emphasising the urgent need for further progress in that area in our discussions with Welsh Government and organisations across the sector.

The next round of the Freelancer Fund

The next round of the Freelancer Fund is due to open at midday on Monday 17 May and close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday 1 June.

This round of funding will be distributed through a new process that will assess applications in relation to various criteria, rather than being first come first served, but we would urge members in Wales to review all the information and apply as soon as possible in order to avoid missing the deadline.

The information and application forms should be available soon on the Business Wales website and we have arranged a joint union Q&A session on the Fund with Welsh Government this Thursday 13 May at 2:00 pm to help answer members’ questions about the new application process.

Register in advance for your free place at the online Q&A session.

We would encourage members to attend that session and get in touch with any questions or concerns about the process and/or the decision on their application. Any members with access requirements should be able to receive help with the application process through Business Wales.

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

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List