Resources: COVID-19

In this difficult and rapidly changing time, freelance designer-makers are facing unprecedented challenges. In April 2020 we pulled together some of the most relevant and useful links for the craft and design community here, and continue to update this page periodically.

We’ll do our best to signpost useful and relevant content, but our restricted resources mean it will not be exhaustive. If you have ideas about other information that could be included here, please get in touch with us.

Last updated 17 November 2020.

UK GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND ADVICE ON YOUR RIGHTS

UK Government’s official page on business support including job retention scheme and help for the self-employed.

UK Government link to find out if you are eligible for self employed grants (based on your UTR.)

Financial support – advice for consumers on bank loans & overdrafts, mortgage rights & payments from the Financial Conduct Authority. The FCA aims to make financial markets work well so that consumers get a fair deal, and secures appropriate levels of protection for consumers.

Employee and employer rights and advice from ACAS: the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, who work with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships. An independent public body that receives funding from the government.

Medically vulnerable: How to register officially as vulnerable, which will aid with food deliveries.

ARTS FUNDERS, ADVISORY AND INDUSTRY BODIES

Arts Council England latest news on their support for artists, including delivery of Government’s financial support package

Crafts Council (England) – a range of stories and resources (last updated November 2020)

The Crafts Council made a major submission to DCMS on behalf of the sector in November 2020, looking at the impact of both Covid-19 and Brexit. The summary can be downloaded here: Crafts Council Summary of Points Made to DCMS on Covid-19 and Brexit

Creative Scotland’s main website , including latest news on the Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers.

Craft Scotland – multiple resources and news items

Arts Council Wales latest advice and news for individuals and organisations

Arts Council Northern Ireland advice and updates

Crafts NI all resources for makers, including Covid-19

ART, CRAFT & FREELANCER SPECIALIST GROUPS

Artists-Network (AN England) news, information and guidance for artists and art organisers

The Design Trust resources – in general and specific for DN members. The Design Trust is an online business school for makers and designers with a wealth of resources and a useful blog. Design-Nation has an ongoing partnership with The Design Trust to provide online training workshops for DN members.

Life coach and writer Gabrielle Treanor developed a very helpful graphic to help process emotions around COVID-19 which we have shared above. (We love that she has a background in 2D and graphic design and could easily have been a DN member herself.) For full advice from Gabrielle on how to use this chart, please visit her website.

Resources: COVID-19

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