More support for freelancers working in creative sectors

Freelancers working in Wales’ creative sectors will receive a further round of support worth £8.9 million, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Lord Elis-Thomas announced.

The new round of support funding from the Cultural Recovery Fund will mean each of the freelancers already supported will receive an additional £2,500 to support them through this extended period of reduced activity.

The £63m Cultural Recovery Fund has provided essential support to sustain the arts and creative sector, with the hope organisations and individuals will be able to thrive again in the not-too-distant future.

According to the Welsh Government, the Freelancers Fund has already supported almost 3,500 freelancers in three phases of support.

The Deputy Minister said: “The freelance sector plays a pivotal part in the Welsh economy and I am delighted we are able to provide additional support, which acknowledges the important contribution freelancers make to Welsh cultural life.

“The pandemic continues to present challenges for cultural and creative freelancers throughout Wales. We applaud their resilience and creativity during this period.

“We know we will need their professionalism, experience, enthusiasm and vision to help us come together and rebuild after the public health crisis has abated.”

Freelancers who have previously received support will receive a self-declaration letter, which they will need to respond to for the funding to be released. The fund will not be open to new applications.