Complete Music Update notes IAFAR call for support during Covid-19 pandemic
Representatives for artists and managers in the UK last week called on larger companies and organisations in the music business to do more to help those most severely impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown. Such support is essential, they said, to ensure the “longer-term viability of artists and music-makers”.
The demands came as the Music Managers Forum and Featured Artists Coalition were the latest music industry organisations to publish data on the impact of the live music shutdown caused by measures to restrict and delay the spread of COVID-19.
A survey of 150+ artists and managers reported on the impact of more than 2100 cancelled shows, which have resulted in lost gross income of £49.3 million, with managers losing £3.1 million in commission. If the live industry shutdown was to extend for six months, £61.4 million in expected income would be lost.
A number of emergency relief funds for artists and songwriters have already been launched in the UK by the likes of PRS, Help Musicians and the Musicians’ Union, with the country’s arts councils also announcing emergency schemes for the wider creative sector.
Meanwhile, the UK government last week finally announced measures to support the self-employed as well as businesses and those in formal employment. Such support is vital for the music industry, where more than 70% of people work on a freelance basis.
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