COVID-19‘s impact on everything from festivals to clubs has been documented at length thus far in 2020. A new study by Help Musicians UK helps illuminate the state of affairs for musicians themselves, and suffice it to say they’re not much better off.
Of the 1,300 professional musicians surveyed, 55% reported receiving no income on account of the coronavirus pandemic. 76% expressed concerns for the long-term sustainability of their music careers, with 96% saying that they have lost the majority of their income in 2020. Only 19% of surveyed artists expected their income to return by April 2021.
The study follows news that Arts Council England will reopen the Developing your Creative Practice fund with updated criteria that includes DJs in its definition of “creative practitioners.” £18 million has been set aside for the relief package, which will distribute grants of £2,000-10,000 in four rounds over the next 12 months.
Arts Council England has also paid out £334 million to cultural institutions so far as part of their £500 million Culture Recovery Fund. Round 1 saw brands like Ministry of Sound, Village Underground and Resident Advisor awarded funding, with Boiler Room, NTS Radio and Cocoon In The Park among the Round 2 recipients.
For their part, Help Musicians UK have paid out 11 million to artists according to DJ Mag. In anticipation of a surge in applicants, the organization has called on the public to donate via their official website.
