Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Carmel Sepuloni recently announced a further targeted support package of reprioritised funding to protect jobs and incomes in the arts and culture sector as it faces the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.
This COVID-19 Delta Relief Package, managed by Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, included funding for cultural agencies to support at risk organisations, key infrastructure, artists, and projects.
In association with the New Zealand Music Commission, MusicHelps can announce the details of an emergency hardship fund grant in response to this continuing crisis, which has impacted the livelihoods of artists, and music workers across Aotearoa.
“People are at the heart of our music community and it is critical we do everything we can to support them right now when the need is so great” says MusicHelps Chair, Anthony Healey. “We need to navigate through this current difficult period in the hope that there is a busy summer of music ahead. This support should help those who we will rely on to make that summer happen” he says.
The MusicHelps COVID-19 DELTA HARDSHIP GRANT will be making a $1000 rapid response grant available to people that are New Zealand citizens; who reside in New Zealand; who have been in paid work in the music industry for at least the last 2 years; and have experienced loss of income as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and cancellations.
To assist MusicHelps with the assessment and review of the submissions, it will be useful if applicants can provide their confirmation of accessing the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy scheme.
The charity will be making 250 grants available initially, after which it will review the outcomes of the Fund to date.
MusicHelps is encouraging applications from the full range of music industry workers. Artists, roadies, riggers, technicians, crew, performers, songwriters, managers and anyone who has lost income from their work in the production or performance of live or recorded music in Aotearoa are invited to apply.
Applications for the grant can be made online from 9am Monday 1st November through the Music Commission application portal website. More information on the grant is available at the MusicHelps website