New grants of up to £2,000 are available for freelancers working in the creative sector, thanks to funding from the West of England Combined Authority.
West of England Mayor, Dan Norris | Photo © WECA
Freelancers are at the heart of creativity and productions in the region and across the country.
47% of workers in the world-leading West of England creative industries are freelancers, compared with 15% of the wider regional workforce.
The region’s Mayor, Dan Norris, says they have suffered from a disproportionate lack of investment and government support, with many freelance artists leaving the sector, especially since the pandemic.
The £200,000 creative fund is supporting artists, technicians, designers, curators, producers, writers and other freelancers to develop their skills or learn a new creative practice.
Creative freelancers can apply for grants to support various activities such as research and development, professional development, creation of new work, collaboration, training, and more. Projects can span up to nine months and should be completed by June 2025.
Mr Norris said: “One of the very first decisions I took as Mayor was to back freelancers who had been hammered by the Government during the pandemic.
“Without talented freelancers across the arts, our region’s theatres, high streets, buildings, film and TV and museums would be sorely lacking in creativity.
“But we know that trickle-down of investment in organisations and support doesn’t always flow through to freelancers. That’s a big problem – not least in terms of limiting access to our world-class creative industries.
“This new funding underlines my commitment to actors, fashion designers, artists, animators and many others to grow, and get on in our creative industries.”
Mayor Dan Norris has invested more than £1 million supporting over 800 of the region’s creative freelancers since his election in May 2021.
Phil Gibby, South West Area Director of the Arts Council England, said: “We’re proud to support the future of freelancing with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, through our joint Culture West programme.
“From actors and set designers to photographers and producers, self-employed creatives can be found in every corner of the cultural sector, yet we so often hear they feel like an invisible workforce.
“This cash boost goes some way to recognising their dedication and retaining specialist skills, so that culture can continue to flourish in the West of England for the good of all audiences.”
James Moore, Head of Engagement at the Theatre Royal Bath, added: “The Bath Theatre Academy season of work represents the excellence that can be achieved when we give young people access to world-class theatre makers in an extraordinary venue.
“The Egg has gathered a huge team of over 50 freelancers to work on the four productions being staged this May, enabling our in-house students to experience making theatre to a professional standard.
“It’s paramount to the success of the industry that young people, and freelance creatives, are given the opportunities and means to make work locally.”
Applications are open here.
