Supporting Creative Enterprise

The response from the sector to the current Coronavirus crisis has been remarkable. With so much news and support out there we'll endeavour to share the most relevant information for creative practitioners and organisations.

Supporting Creative Enterprise

The response from the sector to the current Coronavirus crisis has been remarkable. Creatives across the county and beyond are leading the way in finding innovative ways to overcome the challenges of social distancing – the sector already spearheaded agile practices and working from home. The sector has also led the way in finding creative and imaginative ways to show solidarity and support.

Over the last two weeks we've been sharing stories of how those in the sector have applied their creativity to navigate a way through and help others. Please continue to forward news to us. There's a lot of information out there so remember to tag @CreativeLancs in tweets, email us or use the contact form on our website.

We're currently exploring ways to re purpose our support and to introduce flexibility and direct resources where most needed. We will tell you more about our own plans soon. In the meantime we will continue to share important information about local and national support - see below. For a sector in Lancashire dominated by micro businesses and freelancers, it's important that we are there for one and other in all ways. We are continuing to commission creative services where possible and applying diligence. We encourage others to do the same where appropriate.

Our colleagues at Boost have launched the #AskForHelp hub with a dedicated team ready to offer resilience tips as well as connect you to specialist advisers who can help you manage today’s unique challenges. Arts Council England (ACE), have just announced plans for a new £160m Emergency Funding Package for individuals and organisations working in the cultural sector. The Creative Industries Federation are offering temporary free membership and have also collated a list of sector relevant sector bodies and available support for creative practitioners. Read more

The need to support and encourage creative enterprise is just one of the things required to get through these times, and for the cultural and creative sector to continue contributing to the prosperity of citizens and communities.

We're also working purposely and with others to lobby for support for the sector and self-employed. Further to yesterday's government announcements we know that many in the sector could potentially still fall through the cracks.

With so much news and support out there we'll endeavour to share the most relevant information for creative practitioners and organisations.

We're also here for a chat, so reach out to us and others if needed.

Thanks to everyone for the huge effort and creativity.

#AskForHelp