Freelance arts workers in Sheffield are getting into debt and draining their savings as restrictions continue: 'Money is not trickling down'

A study run by Sheffield University is mapping the impact of Covid-19 on arts, culture and heritage in the city and wider county.

The survey is focusing on the plight of people employed on a freelance or casual basis, many of whom have found themselves ineligible for the emergency support schemes offered by the Government, including the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which was allocated to at-risk organisations rather than individuals.

The cultural industry is predicted to face further challenges as the second national lockdown is set to be followed by a return to a tiered system of regional restrictions.

Research associate Dr Sarah Price said: “A third of all freelancers, including thousands of arts workers, have been unable to take furlough or access the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. The Government has been pressed on multiple occasions to describe how they plan to support freelancers. They have made it clear that they intend the recipients of the Cultural Recovery Fund to provide work for artists – but this money is not trickling down."

Organisations such as Sheffield Theatres, Music in the Round and Festival of the Mind were striving to give freelancers paid work but this ‘cannot match the volume they had’, said Dr Price.

“Initial data shows that artists, production crew, event organisers and all other casual workers in this sector have lost around half their income from 2019. Freelancers are having to use up savings, take out loans, and cover overheads on credit cards.”

She said ‘more must be done’ to offer help until the pandemic is over. “Reports show freelancers in theatre and music are leaving the industry in droves.”

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, director of city and culture at Sheffield University, said: “We have always been a city of makers – we make great music art and theatre which is known internationally. But we are also a city of technicians, designers, programmers, producers, tour managers and without our creative workforce none of this would happen.”

Click here to see the survey.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.