Help Musicians announces further £1m for musicians facing financial hardship

At Help Musicians we strive to ensure that the UK’s musicians are supported throughout times of crisis and opportunity. Unfortunately no crisis has affected musicians more than the Covid-19 pandemic.

A recent survey of almost 900 musicians demonstrated the severe difficulties currently faced, with almost three quarters of professional musicians earning less than £1,000 this December, a month which normally offers most significant earning potential during the year.

Recent concerns and restrictions relating to Omicron have led to a renewed crisis in audience and industry confidence around live events.

This, coupled with continuing issues surrounding touring in Europe, has had a huge impact on musicians, with 57% of them telling us that they are unsure they will be able to achieve sufficient income to meet their overheads.

Sadly, 75% of musicians advised us that they worry about their financial situation at least daily, with a quarter of musicians are considering leaving the profession altogether. As a nation of music lovers, we will all feel the impact in the years to come.

Since the pandemic began, Help Musicians has supported nearly 20,000 musicians facing urgent financial trouble with £18.5m of payments; and following the results of this survey will be opening another round of applications for musicians.

The total sum available will be at least £1m, with thanks to Arts Council England and DCMS who have provided £650,000 of this. This money will be distributed to musicians whose needs are the greatest until normal income levels return.

The damage Covid has done to musicians will have a lasting impact on all of us, so for the love of music we ask that those able to support Help Musicians at this time would consider doing so, so we can sustain those who make the music that has calmed our souls and lifted our spirits throughout the pandemic 

Please make a donation today, or contact fundraising@​helpmusicians.​org.​uk