Latest updates from The Creative Industries Federation and Creative England including a FREE membership offer

Responding to the announcements by the Chancellor on March 17th regarding businesses being affected by COVID-19, Caroline Norbury, CEO of the Creative Industries Federation and Creative England, said:

"We welcome the positive measures announced today, in response to the issues raised by the creative sector. These include a £330bn loan fund, grants of up to £25,000 for the smallest leisure, hospitality and retail businesses, and the extension of 100% business rate relief to all businesses in these sectors, which includes many creative organisations and cultural spaces. It is now vital that government ensures these business support measures are available as a matter of urgency, and that they are made truly accessible to creative and cultural organisations.

However, a third of the UK’s creative workforce is self-employed and they will be hit hard. The measures announced on mortgage payments and alleviating hardship are welcome but fall short of guaranteeing these workers’ income - a government measure that is now desperately needed.

A Creative Industries Federation survey today received over 2,000 responses in a matter of hours from creative industries and creators being affected by COVID-19. 54% of the respondents expect income to decrease by over 50% due to the fallout from the pandemic, with many already experiencing immediate losses.

Our creative industries are one of the UK’s leading success stories. They are vital, not only for our economy, but for our way of life, bringing communities together and joy to millions around the globe. It is vital that our creative businesses are able to survive."

Free Creative Industries Federation Membership for SIX months

(Normally costs at least £80).

"It’s clear that our creativity and problem-solving abilities are going to be substantially affected by the ongoing Coronavirus emergency. This is a rapidly evolving, unprecedented situation, and we’ve been listening carefully to your concerns.

Now, it is more important than ever to connect our sectors and speak with one unified for the creative industries to ensure you and our wider creative community are supported during this difficult period.

We are only as strong as our membership and we need creatives from across the country to join us at this time of crisis for the sector. We are encouraging freelancers - who will be some of the hardest hit - to join us as a Creative Industries Federation Member free of charge for the next three months, so we can support you with relevant news and updates whilst you navigate the challenges of the ongoing Coronavirus emergency.

Please email our membership team to set up your free, SIX-month Federation membership.

MEMBERSHIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF...

• You want to get behind our mission to unlock the power of creativity and realise our country’s potential.
• You want your work to play an important role in the future of the creative industries.
• You know that unity is strength and collaboration is the key to change.

WHAT YOU GET

• A chance to sign the Creative Industries Charter. By using our logo, you’ll demonstrate to the people you work with that you’re committed to creative excellence and you protect your interests.
• Your voice, heard. We advocate for our members at the highest level in government. We protect your interests, rates and rights, and we make sure our sector is at the heart of decision-making.
• A network of the most inspiring creative talent in the UK. You’ll become a part of the success story that’s powering our economy.
• A UK-wide programme of events and workshops. You’ll get free or discounted tickets to thought leadership, coaching and networking events – everything from low-key meet-ups to conferences and webinars.
• A profile boost. Getting you and your work in front of our brilliant network of freelancers, creative businesses and decision makers.
• Access to talent. Gain a competitive advantage through access to the best creative sector businesses and talent from across the UK
• Use of our directory and members-only jobs boards. Through exclusive access, you’ll meet even more creative talent.
• The latest industry insights. We’ll keep you in the loop with news, views and advice from across the sector.
• Resources for business and personal growth. You’ll have our market-leading content whenever you need it.
• Access to funding opportunities. Regular updates on new ways to finance your work."