Dorset Artists' Emergency Fund

Support local artists - crowdfunder

Will you help us secure the future of arts and culture in Dorset? We're raising £20,000 to support our local artists.

Were you looking forward to seeing that new play, having fun at a festival, belly-laughing at a comedy night, attending an art exhibition or jumping around at a gig this summer? With events cancelled, venues closed and public gatherings restricted it’s not only audiences who are missing out.

Many local freelance Artists are unable to work at the moment. A large proportion of these Artists (musicians, comedians, visual artists, directors, actors, writers, film makers etc.) are falling through the gaps when it comes to financial support. Some are unable to pay the bills or put food on the table.

In order to support those in real financial hardship, Artsreach has joined together with a host of arts organisations based in the county to support Dorset Artists through a Crowd Funded Campaign.

Why support Artists now?

The creative industries are growing faster than the rest of the economy, yet we are facing significant cuts. This, paired with a multitude of job and gig losses for our local artists, is devastating. According to Dorset Council’s State of Dorset 2019 report, the value of creative industries in the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership area is £425 million.

A recent report from Arts Council England shows the arts and culture sector is a significant contributor to the UK’s economy. Adding £10.8bn at the last count in 2016, the sector has now overtaken agriculture in terms of GDP contribution and continues to prove its worth.

There is also clear evidence that the arts can improve wellbeing, drive recovery, support illness and disease management. This arts-led approach saves the NHS money. For every £1 invested in the arts on prescription provides a social return of between £4 and £11.

The money collected will help Dorset Artists to meet their most urgent financial needs during the current crisis. This will help individuals pay their bills and ensure the Dorset arts sector stays afloat ready for the future – whatever that may look like.

If you’d like to help support the local Dorset arts sector – and Dorset economy – please consider donating through our crowdfunder campaign.

Who can apply to the fund for a grant?

Freelance creatives living and working in Dorset (this includes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) who are experiencing severe financial hardship due to COVID-19. This fund is for individuals who aren’t able to receive support from other resources and are ‘falling through the gaps’ and not eligible or meeting the criteria for other funds like this one.

This is a hardship fund and not a fee replacement fund. If you’ve lost bookings or work but are not in dire need of financial help, please refrain from applying to this fund. We imagine there will be further opportunities in the coming months. We are looking at creatives in the broadest of terms, this includes artists, musicians, comedians, visual artists, performers, directors, actors, writers, film makers, producers, curators, clowns etc. Find out more and apply here. Closing date Friday 19 June 2020.