In the U.S., the Big Love Benefit Concert on January 23rd brings financial and mental health support to the industry through a star-studded event. Exclusive merchandise and rock-celebrity donated items for auction provide proceeds toward the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which directly supports basic needs and mental health services.
The Country Music Association continues to offer resources for those affected by the pandemic. They also provide a summary of the U.S. government's $900 billion COVID relief package and how several of the provisions directly support the music industry. Flexible part-time or supplemental job opportunities through Flex Jobs continue to be available.
The Touring Professionals Relief Kitchen (TPRK), a TPA partnership with The LEE Initiative, continues its work collaborating with award-winning chefs in Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City to provide high-quality meals for crew and their family.
The MusiCares emotional health and mental wellness group continues to meet each week on Fridays via Zoom, and FlexJobs has flexible part-time professional jobs available.
In the U.K., The Cultural Recovery Fund from Arts Council England announces new grants opening January 6. Stagehand continues to share its Covid-19 assistance, including financial guidance, mental health and wellbeing resources and relief fund grants. Volunteer trustees oversee fundraising and distribution.
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is still available through the U.K. government. A second grant, from the Technical Entertainment Charity, is the backup Hardship Fund and provides financial assistance specifically to crew, production personnel and those working in the technical supply chain across the U.K. entertainment sector (including TV and film, and not just live events).
Continuing from last month, Music Support, a registered charity run by those in the UK music industry, offers services for those suffering from mental, emotional and behavioral health concerns, including substance use. Music Minds Matter offers a phone number (0808 802 8008) for those who need a supportive counselor to listen and help.
In the E.U., Scena Unita offers grants of up to 1,000 Euros to all crew working in the music, entertainment and audio/video industries. In Italy, #ChiamateNoi was created to bring attention to the hardships from members in the industry, and to specifically create temporary emergency housing and work opportunities for those in the music industry and in related supply chains.
In Germany, 40,000 participants from 8,000+ industry companies took part in AlarmstufeRot ("Red Alert") by putting red lights on 9,000 structures across the country to illustrate the significance of the economic crisis brought by the pandemic. The movement, coordinated by some of the most influential members of live entertainment, sports and cultural events, seeks to pressure the government to respond.
ISDV seeks to bring together German industry professionals in a variety of related fields: event techs, management, pyrotechnics, drivers, designers, chefs/catering, agents and bookers, merchandisers and freelancers, among others. This professional association acts as a voice for these diverse but interconnected careers.
