U.K. CREATIVES DEMAND MORE FUNDS

More than 400 creative figures have signed a letter to the British Government warning of the U.K. becoming “a cultural wasteland” if those falling through the gaps of support measures due to the coronavirus crisis don’t receive urgent funding.

The letter, from the Creative Industries Federation, has been signed by artists such as Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Rufus Wainright, Paloma Faith, Johnny Marr, Imogen Heap, Katie Melua and Jamie Cullum. Record label trade body BPI, the Music Managers Forum, Featured Artists Coalition, PRS Foundation and lobbying body UK Music have also pledged support.

The letter forms part of the Creative Industries Federation’s #OurWorldWithout campaign, which draws attention to the fact that more than 50% of creative organizations and professionals have already lost 100% of their income due to COVID-19. Research shows that one in seven creative organizations has reserves to last until the end of April, and only half have reserves that will last beyond June.

“Creative organizations and professionals need cash, and they need it now,” Creative Industries Federation CEO Caroline Norbury MBE said. “Whilst government support measures for businesses and the self-employed are welcome, we know that there are still thousands of creative organizations and freelancers who are falling through the gaps, and who simply will not get through this crisis without urgent cash support.

"Creativity is an intrinsic part of the U.K.’s cultural identity, and one of the things that the country excels at globally. It is through harnessing this creativity that the U.K. will begin to build a new future. For our sanity, our culture and our very sense of who we are, it is imperative that the U.K.’s creative industries are supported financially through this crisis.”