Hardship Funds for Arts and Creative Sector

Last updated: 16 Mar 2021

The Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers and the Screen Scotland Hardship Fund has reopened from 12noon on Tuesday 10 November.

Update 11 Feb 2021: A further £17.5 million of emergency coronavirus (COVID-19) funding has been allocated to support creative freelancers and the events sector. Click here for more information.

Update 16 March 2021: The Scottish government has agreed a new policy on Fair work with the STUC. The guidance is designed to encourage and support employers to adopt fair work practices within their organisation. Read more about it here.

Bectu has partnered with Creative Scotland to provide financial support for creative freelancers who are experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund offers a one-off monetary contribution to those who are most deeply impacted and disadvantaged by the cancellation of work as a result of the emergency situation

  • You can seek between £500 and £2000 to help support your immediate needs, plus access costs
  • Awards are non-competitive and administered through simple and fast processes for applicants
  • We aim to turn around applications and have money in your account within 4 weeks of receiving your request

Ready to apply? Please visit Creative Scotland’s website for initial approval.

If you have already received initial approval from Creative Scotland, here’s what you need to do next:

  • Download our fund’s application form (Microsoft Word document) – We will require your unique reference number (URN) from Creative Scotland before we can process your application.
  • Email your completed form to us at [email protected]. Please ensure every section of the form is completed, and don’t forget to attach any supporting documents.
  • BECTU will contact you regarding the outcome of your application within four weeks.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please visit Creative Scotland’s FAQ page, email us at [email protected] or call us on 0300 600 1878

Full guidance and FAQs

Creative Scotland’s full terms and conditions

Creative Scotland’s privacy notice

Bectu’s privacy notice