As announced today, the Theatre Artists Fund has received an additional £2 million to enable further support of theatre freelancers. This rapid support was led by contributions from The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport via Arts Council England, Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Backstage Trust, alongside other major benefactors and trusts.

Applications for grants of £1,000 will open as of 12 noon on Friday 24 December (today).

These grants are to help those who may have a loss of earnings as a direct result of restrictions on theatres and productions due the coronavirus pandemic over the Christmas period and beyond.

What do you need to action as a theatre / producer?

We would like all theatre freelancers to know that there is assistance available to those in financial hardship.

We are asking you to notify your networks – specifically contacting your company managers and production managers – so they can pass on the information below that the Theatre Artists Fund will soon open for applications.

Key information for theatre freelancers

• The Theatre Artists Fund will re-open for applications at 12noon on Friday 24 December  and close at 12noon on Monday 10 January 2022.
• Freelancers who have had work affected / cancelled and who are facing hardship are encouraged to apply.
• Grants will be awarded to eligible applications on the basis of hardship. The number of grants awarded is also dependent on available funds.
• Once applications close, the assessment process will take place, along with distribution of the money, as soon as possible.

If you have a question, you can email theatreartistsfund@soltukt.co.uk but please be aware that the team are on leave between 24 December – 4 January.

You can view the current eligibility guidance here.

Fundraising

To enable us to support as many people as possible, we need to help to raise awareness of the Fund and encourage donations. If you are able to help us to raise awareness to your network to support the Fund, you can direct them here. Please use the #theatreartistsfund in all social media.