Coronavirus: Town Hall puts out advice for Hackney’s creative sector as Mayor says ‘We are here for you’

With Hackney’s arts organisations facing uncertainty over their futures amid the coronavirus pandemic, the council has published a letter of support from the Mayor and a guide on how to find practical help.

The advice includes where to apply for the £160 million of emergency funding announced by Arts Council England.

LGBT+ festival Homotopia has commissions of up to £1,000 for creative ideas designed to connect people, and financial aid for film workers is available from the BFI and the Film and TV Charity.

The council has also set up an online form for local organisations to submit their virtual events, which the Town Hall can then promote through its social media channels.

Mayor Philip Glanville said: “We’re proud to be known as the home to thousands of artists and creatives and of our borough’s arts-led cultural and creative economy.

“Artistic and cultural activities play a vital role in keeping our communities strong and inclusive, but in the face of the current coronavirus pandemic, our cultural calendar and the institutions who create it are being forced to respond and adapt to keep everyone safe. 

He went on: “The Cultural Development team have been in contact with many in the sector, as have [culture chief] Cllr Nicholson and I, and they are keen to hear your creative ideas for how you might programme activities that can be brought into the home, and how we can plan for what happens next.”

To do this, email culture@hackney.gov.uk.

Those in creative industries can also keep up to date with the latest information on funding and support by joining the Hackney Business Network.

Mayor Glanville added: “I will continue to champion what you, the creative workforce in Hackney, does, and will do all I can to ensure that you are supported through this crisis.

“Please let me know if I can help do this through social media and any fundraising activities you might be engaged in.”

For more information, including further resources and funding packages, visit the council’s website here