Artists’ Union England Solidarity Fund has been created in response to the hardship caused by the Covid-19 crisis and its ongoing implications for artists’ livelihoods.
ABOUT
Under the current Government Self Employment Scheme (SEISS), many people have missed out on receiving any kind of support. Self employed artists have fallen through the gaps in the system because many supplement their work in the arts with PAYE jobs.
AUE recognises that the Covid-19 crisis will affect our working conditions for years to come, a crisis compounded by the previous decade of austerity. We expect to see a large reduction in public facing work as we move forward. This will further compound the existing challenges for our members in a sector where earnings are notoriously low, and working conditions are often precarious. The Livelihoods of Visual Artists study (2018) reported artists earning an annual average income of £16,000; and that 2/3 of artists make less than £5,000 per year from their creative practice. According to our 2016 survey 70% of AUE membership are female, with nearly half acting as carers. Thus many of our members have been disproportionately affected by the additional social care responsibilities during lockdown.
In response, the Solidarity Fund will give a limited number of small grants of £100 to members in hardship.
Download Press Release HERE
CRITERIA AND GUIDANCE
Please read the Criteria and Guidance HERE before applying. Please note that you need to have been a member of AUE for 3 months before applying.
APPLY
Please complete the online Application Form HERE and the Equality Monitoring form HERE
For accessibility a word copy of both forms are available on request from solidarityfund@artistsunionengland.org.uk
Deadline for Application and Equality Monitoring Forms 5pm 6th August 2020.
SUPPORT THE FUND
We have launched a GoFundMe to support the Solidarity Fund. Please donate and circulate far and wide on social media and to interested parties.
Alternatively, credit card donations are being accepted via the Artists Union England website.
TRUSTEES
The Solidarity Fund is administered by Trustees, a group of AUE members acting in a voluntary capacity.
Trustees: Katriona Beales
Theresea Easton
Martin Gollan
Joanne Howell
Vanessa Maurice-Williams
Contact: solidarityfund@artistsunionengland.org.uk
Artists’ Union England is an active union and is constantly campaigning, producing resources and signposting opportunites for its members:
Latest: AUE Solidarity Fund now LIVE - small grants for AUE members in need. Find out more & apply here.
23 July 2020
GOOD NEWS!!! We accept cards for payment of your AUE membership. Please help spread the word.
10 June 2020
Covid-19 Risk Assessment
01 June 2020
Artists’ Union England (AUE) - Statement of Solidarity for the National Education Union (NEU) “No Going Back Until It’s Safe.”
01 June 2020
Self Employment grants (SEISS) - not good enough!
04 May 2020
You can still join/renew your AUE membership even though we're having problems with PayPal
25 April 2020
A membership to Artists’ Union England gets you professional support and access to resources. That means you’ll get:
Your membership means help will be there when you need it and we’ll constantly campaign for artist’s rights.
Membership costs £42 annually – equivalent to £3.50 per month
