Shropshire Star

Cash boost for creative freelancers in Powys

Freelancers living in Powys will be able to apply for grants of £2,500 as part of Welsh Government’s Covid-19 Cultural Recovery Fund.

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The new grants scheme, which will be administered by the council, will help ease cash flow pressures for freelance professionals whose work has direct creative or cultural outcomes.

The scheme will target four sectors – the arts; creative industries; arts and heritage events, and culture and heritage.

Applications for the grant will open on Monday but people can check if they qualify in the meantime by using an online eligibility tracker at www.fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/culture

Councillor Aled Davies, Powys County Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: "We are delighted that the Welsh Government has announced a much-needed grants scheme for creative freelancers.

"This crucial funding will provide many hard-pressed individuals with a lifeline and I am pleased that the council can once again play a key part in delivering financial support to residents.

"The council has responded quickly to the needs of local people throughout the pandemic, awarding well over £50 million in relief and grants to date.

"We intend to pay these grants just as swiftly as we've done previously, but people can help speed up the process by checking their eligibility beforehand.

"To add to the good news, if you have previously received support from either the Government job retention scheme or the self-employment income support scheme, you are still eligible for this grant.

"You may also be eligible if you're employed part-time, but please be aware those most in need of support due to loss of earnings will be prioritised."

Councillor Rachel Powell, cabinet member for culture, added: "The arts community remains an essential element to our cultural existence and its contribution is absolutely valued, demonstrated even more so, during these challenging times.

"Powys' creative community has been incredibly resilient during the pandemic and I sincerely hope this grants scheme will benefit a good number of our talented freelancers.

“I know many have suffered huge financial losses, with some failing to qualify for earlier schemes, and so I urge eligible freelancers to look into this opportunity and apply for the available funds.”


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