The Culture Central team are working hard to support and be the voice of the cultural sector in Birmingham and the wider region during the Coronavirus pandemic, and as part of this activity we have put together the following list of online resources available to support organisations with Coronavirus response.
We are updating this list whenever we learn of additional resources, and please let us know if you’re aware of any we’ve missed:
Employment & Financial Support
Government guidance for Employers on the job retention scheme
In particular you may need to pay close attention to the section on Public Sector organisations. We have been advised by solicitors at Irwin Mitchell that this could possibly impact upon ACE funded organisations for example. We/they are seeking further clarification on this issue and IM’s general advice is to hold off on furloughing employees until further clarity is available. We hope to be able to give an update on this during our Cultural Sector Zoom call on Thu 2nd April.
Government guidance for Employees on the job retention scheme
Government guidance on other support for businesses
Including deferring VAT & Income Tax payments
Government guidance on the Self Employment Income Support Scheme
NB: Treasury have put out a call for feedback on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, so if you are self-employed and would like to add your voice to this, please email your answers to the following questions by 2pm on Monday 30th March.
- Are you eligible for the Self-Employed scheme (if no, why not and if you don’t know, please say why)
- Are you able to manage until June for the payment (it will be backdated to March)
- General comments
Please submit your responses by email to ericalove@culturecentral.co.uk.
_________
West Midlands Artists Coronavirus Impact Fund
Go Fund Me appeal to provide hardship funds for any artists, cultural workers, practitioners and creative freelancers that cannot work during this time or who have been affected by cancellations or other impacts.
_________
Other Covid-19 Related Resources:
Arts Council England Coronavirus Information – updated regularly
This page features the latest guidance from government on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for ACE funded organisations and projects, and is regularly updated as the situation develops.
TheatreSupport.Info
A new microsite set up by SOLT/TMA and leading theatrical charities, to centralise information about how and where theatre professionals can access support during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Arts Professional Covid Culture Microsite
A space for news and information relating to the coronavirus pandemic, and how it might affect you working in the arts. Resources, ideas and virtual events that could help you through the days ahead.
Guidance for Independent Theatre Council (ITC) Members
A really useful information page which is also available to none-members.
Government Coronavirus Information Hub
Including guidance for businesses, employers and educational settings.
Advice for patients is available on NHS Choices regarding symptoms
UK Theatre Industry Coronavirus Facebook Group
A group dedicated to the Performing Arts industry to share news, tips, advice or anything helpful to do with the Coronavirus and how it is affecting you/your business.
Equity Coronavirus Advice Page
BECTU Covid 19 advice for members working in theatre, live events and the arts
Theatre Helpline
A free, independent and confidential phone and email service that provides support to people working in the theatre industry.
Musicians’ Union Covid 19 Advice
Arts Marketing Association Coronavirus Support Facebook Group
A group for arts, culture and heritage professionals who work to engage audiences to ask questions, share ideas and opportunities, and get support during these uncertain times.
