Arts organisations across Greater Manchester are joining forces to support local freelance artists during the Covid-19 crisis.
GM Artist Hub is a new project bringing together many of the area’s best-known organisations to support independent local performers, artists and companies working throughout Greater Manchester.
GM Artist Hub launched today with opportunities for artists to sign for sessions with artist-development producers and directors from different organisations, to explore the challenges and opportunities of unprecedented current times of empty theatres.
The organisation will also be looking for funding to support a programme of creative and professional development workshops and activities, employment opportunities and commissions.
Participating arts organisations are: Community Arts North West, Contact, HOME, The Lowry, Manchester International Festival, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Oldham Coliseum, Royal Exchange Theatre, SICK! Festival, Sustained Theatre Up North, Waterside Arts and Creative Industries Trafford, hÅb/Word of Warning and Z-Arts.
Claire Symonds, senior producer for artist development at The Lowry, said: “Independent artists and freelances are carrying some of the biggest impacts in our industry, facing an immediate loss of income and the prospect of future cancellations as the situation progresses.
“Artists are the lifeblood of our industry; their creativity and ability to adapt will be absolutely critical as we all look for new ways of reaching out to audiences.
“We can’t protect every artist and freelance creative in Greater Manchester from the impact of this crisis, but we can stand with them.
“Whether you’re an artist looking to get involved or an organisation that wants to join in supporting Greater Manchester’s independent sector, we’d love to hear from you.”
More info here