A further £17.5 million of emergency coronavirus (COVID-19)
funding has been allocated to support creative freelancers and
the events sector.
Of that, £8.5 million will go towards the events sector –
distributed through the Pivotal Event Businesses Fund and the
Events Industry Support Fund 2 as well as targeted support –
bringing the total additional COVID-19 support for the events
sector to £31.5 million.
The remaining £9 million will be distributed as a top-up to the
Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund bringing the total value of
support for creative freelancers to £17 million.
This support is in addition to the more than £125 million of
additional funding the Scottish Government has so far allocated
to culture, historic environment and events since the start of
the pandemic.
Culture Secretary said:
“The impact of COVID-19 has been particularly devastating for
creative freelancers and those involved in events. We are
determined to support them through this challenging time and I
will continue to listen to and respond swiftly to the needs of
people and organisations affected.
“This significant increase in funding will help to protect jobs
and support individuals and organisations affected by the
pandemic whilst ensuring people across Scotland continue to have
access to cultural experiences.
“Culture, events and creativity generate invaluable contributions
to our society – both in terms of our economy and our wellbeing –
and I would like to pay tribute to everyone within these sectors
for showing incredible resilience and determination during these
difficult times.”
Background
Additional support for events includes £7 million to be split
between the Pivotal Event Businesses Fund and the Events Industry
Support Fund 2. Both funds are delivered by EventScotland. A
further £1.5 million will be used to provide targeted support to
the industry.
A further £9 million has been allocated to top-up the Creative
Freelancers Hardship fund in addition to £8 million already
allocated. This fund is delivered by Creative Scotland.
