Scottish Government announce £17.5m extra support for creative freelancers and events sector

A further £17.5 million of emergency coronavirus funding has been allocated to support creative freelancers and the events sector.

Of that sum, £9m will top up the Creative Freelancer Hardship Fund and will be administered via Creative Scotland.

The remaining £8.5m will go towards the events sector, distributed through the Pivotal Event Businesses Fund and the Events Industry Support Fund 2, as well as through targeted support.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture 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.”

Read the announcement from the Scottish Government in full here.