The Theatre Artists Fund needs your help now more than ever.
The Government’s latest announcement on Monday 14 December has resulted in more theatres across the UK being forced to close their doors as they move into tier 3 and 4. This brings a devastating impact to not only audiences, but also to theatre professionals across the country who will no longer be able to work.
Through the fund we launched in July with Sam Mendes, we’ve been able to provide emergency support for 2,600 theatre workers and freelancers across the UK.
The coronavirus pandemic has left many theatre professionals in need of urgent and critical financial support. Our third round of applications closed on 20 December, with over 2,000 more applications for assistance received.
We surveyed some of the people who have already received £1000 grants from the Theatre Artists Fund, and 85% of participants said the grant helped them pay their bills, mortgage or rent, with 62% saying it helped them put food on the table.
Many people have faced a long period of being unable to work, and a large number of freelancers and theatre workers have been unable to claim through any of the Government coronavirus support schemes.
Now, as more areas enter tier 3, we need your help to provide emergency financial assistance to those in need.
Sam Mendes said:
“Hearing the individual stories of those for whom we have managed to provide short-term financial relief is a stark and moving reminder about why we created this fund in the first place. Their passion and refusal to give up have made us want to continue to push for more support from the public and the industry alike. So for all those out there, who are on the verge of giving up, we have one message: Don’t.”
The Theatre Artists Fund has been a lifeline to so many; you can read some more of the personal stories of beneficiaries on the Theatre Artists Fund website here.
We’ve raised over £180,000 so far from public donations, all of which goes to theatre professionals in need of urgent assistance. Donations of any size are welcome, and your generosity will all help to provide grants to as many people as possible.
