Covid-19 | Dance Base Support & Resources
During this strange and difficult time, the Dance Base team are here to provide support and advice for members of the Scottish dance community. As well as our range of practical online workshops and support in promoting independent activity, we are also offering one-to-one help to anyone who requires it.
Each enquiry will go to our Programmes Manager, Kirsty Somerville, who will then work with the team to respond or direct you to the member of the team who can give you the best support as needed.
What we are offering:
- One-to-one surgeries with members of the team to help you to navigate this current landscape, and plan your path forward
- Practical knowledge and advice from our staff team - from artistic direction and feedback, to marketing and promotion etc.
- Assistance and guidance with funding applications (Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary and Open Fund, and others)
- Advice and signposting to other avenues of financial support such as Universal Credit, the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme etc.
*Any advice provided is based on the research of the team and the resources that we have access to. We are not experts in this field, but we can help to signpost you to support and opportunities that you may be eligible for. Please look at the list below as well.
How to make a request:
Please email Kirsty Somerville, Programmes Manger, at Kirsty@dancebase.co.uk with the following information:
- Name and contact details
- Your area of work (e.g. dancer, choreographer, teacher etc.)
- What challenge you currently face
- What you would like us to help with
We will aim to get back to you within three days but if demand is high this may take slightly longer. Conversations with the team can be by email, phone or video call, as is needed. If you have any access requirements, please tell us what they are in your initial email.
All information shared in these conversations will be private and confidential.
Morag Deyes, Artistic Director, is happy to hold one-to-one surgeries to explore current work and future responses. Please contact Kirsty in the first place to arrange these.
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Funding and Financial Support:
Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary
The Bridging Bursary (Arts and Creative) fund is prioritising support to freelance practitioners whose primary source of income comes from their creative work in the not-for-profit sector and to those most in need. You can seek between £500 and £2500 to help support your immediate needs. The overall budget is £2m and awards are non-competitive.
The second round of requests has closed but there may be a third round if required. We will update will details here if that is announced.
Creative Scotland Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development
The new Open Fund launched in 2020 to focus support on helping individuals and organisations to sustain themselves and to explore new ways of working that will help them to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances.
You can apply for between £1000 and £50k, there is no deadline and activity can be funded for up to 12 months.
Universal Credit
If you are unable to claim earnings via the Self-employment Income Support Scheme, or if you need additional income, you can apply for Universal Credit. Payments are calculated based on your actual monthly earnings from self-employment and employment, and paid monthly, or twice a month for some people in Scotland. You may also be able to get help towards housing costs.
Scottish Welfare Fund
These grants are available to those who are on low incomes and struggling with rent or living costs and are distributed through local authorities.
Third Sector Resilience Fund
This £20m emergency find is for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations working in Scotland that already deliver services but find themselves in financial difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
Equity Benevolent Fund (members only)
Equity’s benevolent fund is here to support members with payments to help them get through this crisis. Grants are between £60 - £350 and are for urgent one-off expenses such as bills and living costs.
Dance Professionals Fund (England only)
Grants are available to help support dance professionals of all ages with everyday living costs or with crisis funding for the unexpected.
Useful Resources:
Covid-19 Self-Employed Artists Cribsheet
A really useful resource that answers a lot of the questions around the government support for self-employed artists
Edinburgh Fringe Society
In response to the current cancellation of the Edinburgh Fringe 2020, the Fringe Society have listed a range of avenues for financial support and advice for artists of all disciplines.
Find Business Support.gov.uk
Very helpful directory of the various sources of government support available to businesses and self-employed individuals.
Independent Arts Projects
A great resource highlighting the benefits, statements and support for arts workers following the Covid-19 outbreak.
People Make It Work
People Make It Work have pulled together a free programme of expert panels, daily video insights, daily surgery sessions and tools and resources to download as well as contact details to access free 1:1 guidance and support from their team of 50 cultural leaders.
Support for Performing Arts Professionals
The Theatre Support website provides a helpful database of the resources and charities available to support individuals and performing arts organisations through the Covid-19 crisis.
Support for Theatre Professionals during Coronavirus
In light of the closure of many UK theatres due to the Covid-19 virus, leading theatrical charities have come together to centralise information about how and where you can access support if you work in the theatre industry. This is a helpful database of the various avenues of support on offer.
Turn 2 Us
A practical guide to the help available for self-employed people who are struggling for money because of coronavirus.
United in Isolation
An information hub for creatives during COVID-19 crisis, including commissioning opportunities and funding pots.
Useful Resources for Musicians:
Help Musicians
Help Musicians have launched a £5m Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund with a one-off payment of £500 per applicant.
Musicians’ Union
A really helpful list of the financial support available for musicians in times of crisis and hardship.
They also have a brilliant guide to how to stream your show online with helpful hints on sound quality, platforms to use and camera set up.
The Royal Society of Musicians
The RSM Help offer support for musicians in times of hardship. This help can offered in many ways, whether it be living expenses, rehabilitation, counselling, referrals to specialised practitioners, or consultations with financial advisors. .
PRS Members’ Fund
The PRS Members' Fund provides support and advice to PRS members and their families, who may be struggling financially, physically or emotionally and are in need of help. Applicants must have been members for a minimum of 7 years.
