Artist Survival Guide #01

Posted: 24/03/2020

Since the current coronavirus pandemic has meant that all non-essential workers are now house bound we’ve decided to share some resources as well as an update on what we’re doing.

You may have seen last week that God’s House Tower is now closed, despite just having a new exhibition by Laura Eldret and Paul Vivian installed. All ‘a space’ arts staff are also working from home following government advice.

We’ll be sharing useful information and resources regularly throughout the next few weeks and months.

For artists who are self-employed Money Saving Expert and the Association for Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed are great sources of information on rights and benefits. The government’s own website is also updated regularly with the latest guidance as circumstances change.

Arts Council England have also announced financial support for artists and freelancers as well as arts organisations.

a-n has pulled together some excellent resources for artists. This includes an Artist Support Pledge set up by artist Matthew Burrows. As well as an Isolation Art School organised by artist Keith Tyson.

A hardship fund set up specifically for artists here in the South West is currently taking donations on Go Fund Me.

Brighton based Fabrica have made their AR+ Online resource available for free.

‘a space’ will continue to offer one-to-one meetings to artists in the SO postcode, these will now be done remotely either by phone or video call. Book a slot here.

Futurelearn has a great collection of free and paid for online courses if you want to use the time to learn new skills. ‘How To Teach Online: Providing Continuity for Students‘ and ‘Effective Fundraising and Leadership in Arts and Culture‘ are just a couple we spotted that looked interesting.

For those at a loose end and wanting to access culture, we recommend Maiden: War on the Waves on BBC iplayer which City Eye screened in God’s House Tower as part of last year’s Southampton Film Week. BFI Player has free and paid for memberships and could provide invaluable entertainment over the coming weeks.

For any other queries or advice feel free to contact our Artist Development Officer, Alys Scott-Hawkins.