PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, More Sign Letter Calling for Creative Industry Funding From UK Government
Artists including PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, and Johnny Marr have signed a letter from the Creative Industries Federation (CIF) urging the UK government to release funds to support the creative industries. The letter, addressed to the chancellor and culture secretary, warns that the country could become a “creative wasteland” due to the economic effects of COVID-19.
The letter continues, “A Creative Industries Federation survey of 2,000 creative organizations and freelancers revealed that 1 in 7 creative organizations believe they can last only until the end of April on existing financial reserves. Only half think their reserves will last beyond June.” Read the full letter here.
Caroline Norbury, CEO of CIF, commented to The Guardian, “While government support measures for businesses and the self-employed are welcome, we know that there are still thousands of creative organisations and freelancers who are falling through the gaps, and who simply will not get through this crisis without urgent cash support.”
“Artists are creating so much content online that people can experience in their homes,” Rufus Wanwright added. “They have not stopped producing and it would be a crime as a society to not support them through this crisis as they are nourishing us.”
Read “An Ode to Live Music in a Time of Silence.”
Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
