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Gina Miller

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Entertainment One Senior VP Gina Miller On Advocating For Progress, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

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"The music community must be willing to honestly identify the areas that change need to take place," the Nashville music executive tells GRAMMY.com
GRAMMYs
Aug 13, 2020 - 12:01 pm

With Black Lives Matter protests being staged across the nation in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee and many other Black people at the hands of police, GRAMMY.com checked in with Nashville Chapter Advisor and Entertainment One Senior Vice President and General Manager Gina Miller to get her perspective on the current situation, what change looks like and how the music industry at large can contribute.

In one word, how would you describe the current state of the world?

HOPEFUL. There seems to be a real presence of seemingly more people than I've seen in my lifetime outraged, speaking out and taking action against racism and inequality.
 
Thinking of the one word you chose, would you use that same word to describe the current state of the music industry? Why or why not?

Yes, I could. The music industry is not exempt from systemic racism and it too feels like we are living in a time where more and more people are speaking out, and more organizations are coming together to challenge and evoke the change that is needed and overdue.
 
As an executive who is Black and a woman, how would you describe your professional journey?

In the spirit of the previous one word answers, I'd describe my professional journey as "steadfast." It I added another word, it would be "consistent." I am very grateful that my journey started me at an entry level, coordinator position and I was able to move up and throughout our company in almost every position possible. That is why I started with steadfast. I have been steadfast, relentless and worked very hard to be consistent, effective and a great steward of our artists and company assets.
 
How can the music community at large contribute to creating change?

The music community must be willing to honestly identify the areas that change need to take place. That is step one.

Disrupting what's been is necessary and that is being done now in a myriad of ways. Some people are protesting, some people are calling out organizations and companies who have no minorities represented. Some have chosen to be an advocate. There are so many areas that need to be addressed, changed and fixed. There is plenty of room for individuals and companies to assess what’s important to them and jump in. So by that, you define the work that is important to you.

The music industry also has to give examples and explanations regarding what anti-racism is, or prejudices and inequality look like. Then you have to be willing to defend, explain and educate people on why you’ve chosen the work you've chosen and how or where the definition came from. Defending is a mission statement. Defending [what] is your why? Why is this work important? Why now?  

After you disrupt, define, and defend, then you must be willing to display what you believe and have chosen as your work. People believe what they see. You've can't say you want to see change and never display and show that you are working toward real change. How will you be an advocate? How will you change policies or procedures going forward? Where will you put your money and support?
 
What are you personally doing to activate and advocate change?

I donate my talent, money and time to many organizations. I am a protest supporter, and for me that's also making sure that artist[s] who have songs of protest are heard. I am excited about the new work with Nashville Music Equality. In a short time, I see the importance of our presence and know our work is already making a difference. My hope is that whatever my capacity [is], it amplifies the work that needs to be done.

With every organization that I am a part of, I am working to offer ideas, action and real solutions against racism, for progress, diversity, equality and inclusion. It is an honor to serve and lead in change. I appreciate getting to use my voice, wisdom and experiences in the places and spaces that I am connected. It starts with real conversations, discussing real issues with real info, in real time, working through real ideas, looking at real examples and experiences, considering the real truths, demonstrating that it will require real work, real empathy, real compassion, real healing, real connection, real action and after that, the expectation can be real change. I feel it is my responsibility—for my own freedoms, for my own life, for my own community and for anybody’s future. I must do my part.
 
Weeks have passed since the protests erupted across the country, but the work must continue. In your opinion what should non-Black people be doing to support the Black community?

Non-Black people should start with education. There are many resources from books and YouTube videos. Social media provides many experiences that have been captured. I just don't think people are quick to want to change what they don’t understand. And often what they see they don't identify with or view it as so exceptional that there's no urgency to do anything.

I would suggest non-Black people have some implicit bias training. Black people [are] being killed... It’s hard to imagine that or connect to that if it’s not happening in your neighborhood, [to your] family or sphere of influence…

Through implicit bias training is the opportunity to hear how you might possibly be part of the problem and never knew or identified your behaviors as non-racist. Look inside and look around. What does diversity look like through your lens and community? A dear friend of mine said to me, "Gina, I’ve never considered myself a racist, but I've also never been part of any solution." I took that as: I never have thought of myself as a racist, but I haven’t done anything not to be. That’s the perspective non-Black people have to be willing to consider. From there, then they can determine what next, and what should/could I do to be part of any solution, beyond that.

The COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly rocked and continues to rock the music industry as a whole. What has this moment taught you about our industry?

We already knew that we were creative… We are seeing creativity soar, as the creatives' voice rises…

Seeing our creativity and innovation on display during this time is simply refreshing. It’s also refreshing to see so many in the music industry come together, to connect, support, sustain, help heal and offer whatever they have proving that we are a real community. Much like many of our families. We might not speak daily, but when we need each other, we show up. It’s such an amazing thing to see so many show up.

What has this moment taught you personally?

I feel like I have always had an appreciation for life, but as I sit here today, I am profoundly grateful for life and the lives of those who mean anything to me.

Moments like this can inspire creativity and/or innovation—as an executive, have you witnessed this within your company via your team and the artists on your roster?

I am so proud of our team and our artists… as well as their managers and consultants who are all working diligently to keep all of our businesses going and thriving. With market visits and live touring being such a huge part of our business and now at a stand-still, everyone is finding unique ways to connect meaningfully with their audiences. What could have been obstacles, we are finding ways to convert those moments to opportunity!

CMT Senior VP Of Music Strategy Leslie Fram On Finding Comfort In Music & TV In Unprecedented Times

GRAMMYs

Armand Hutton

Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

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GRAMMY-Nominated Arranger Armand Hutton On Racial Divisions In The U.S.: "To A POC, It Has Always Been This Way"

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"The only difference is that now it’s on non-POC's radar more than ever before," the Nashville Chapter Board Member tells GRAMMY.com
GRAMMYs
Jul 7, 2020 - 9:42 am

Armand Hutton is a man of many, many talents: Not only is he a GRAMMY-nominated bass vocalist, arranger, composer and voice actor, but he is a newly elected Nashville Chapter Board member. 

With Black Lives Matter protests being staged across the nation in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee and many other Black people at the hands of police, GRAMMY.com checked in with Hutton to get his perspective on the current situation, what change looks like and how the music industry at large can contribute.

How would you describe our current situation?

In regards to social unrest and injustice, I would liken our current situation as a country to a pot overflowing with boiling water. The water was always there in the pot before the heat was applied. In order for the water to boil, heat had to have been applied for an extended amount of time. The water didn’t start to boil as soon as the heat was applied. But if you keep the heat on long enough, not only will the water boil, but it will start to spill over the pot. Social unrest and racial injustice is built into the very fabric of American history. It’s always been there. There hasn’t been a time in this country’s existence (perhaps before the first English settlers arrived) where social unrest and racial injustice didn’t exist. This is also not the first time in our country’s existence where the "boiling water" that is racial injustice hasn’t overflowed. But we are at an all-time high in our country’s history when it comes to the awareness of racial injustice and the desire to fight it by non-POCs.

How do feel we got to the current state of affairs in our country?

Answering this question would take up as much time as a few semesters of American History. Our country was built on the pillars of white supremacy. Because these ideologies went unchallenged and accepted for centuries, it led to the systemic racism we face today. There have been uprisings, revolts, protests, riots and resolutions since slavery. Out of these actions things did and will progress. Laws were passed or amended. Acts were written and set in place. Unfortunately there was no law or act that sought to amend the issue of hatred born within the heart of man. Racism maintained its stronghold on our country through the form of designed systems that give privilege to white people on the social, political and economic level.

So, how do I feel we got to the current state of affairs in our country? To a POC, it has always been this way. The only difference is that now it’s on non-POC's radar more than ever before.

Read More: Torae Talks Fighting For Change & Overhauling The Music Industry's Business Model

How can the music community at large contribute to creating change?

The arts have always done an excellent job of telling the story of the times. If you ever wanted to study a certain time in history, listen to the music of that time and you’d be painted a pretty accurate picture. The same thing has to be done today. Musicians and songwriters must not shy away from detailing the horrific scenes of systemic racism that exist in the 21st century. We must tell the story of now. We must educate others and ourselves on the issues of not just the world at large but our individual regions and communities. We also must be at the forefront of not only hearing and creating these new stories and perspectives, but also by embracing them. What gave America the illusion of greatness was the kaleidoscope of cultures and differing ideas blending, working and living together to create harmony. "Harmony" is often used as a word that means togetherness. But we know that it is a basic musical term. So we must once again make the word "ours" by leading the charge against division, and doing our best to embrace each other's differences.  

What are you doing to activate/advocate?

Along with living my life as an advocate for equality, I volunteer as a songwriting teacher for middle school-aged kids at a black school here in Nashville. Teaching children goes beyond grades and a curriculum. I now have the duty to instill self-awareness, confidence, empathy, compassion, history, pride and all of the tools necessary to advocate for change. By being involved in their lives, I can reach and teach kids who are developing their ideas of the world. I can help shape and mold who they ultimately become.

Read More: "Equality Is More Than Just A Word": Michael "Wanz" Wansley On How The Music Industry Can Effect Real Change

How are you coping?

I cry from time to time at the injustice I see, and especially knowing that any of these unwarranted actions of hate could be done against me simply because of the color of my skin. But I find refuge in friends, family and in the peace that God gives. I’ve lived my whole life as a Black man, so I’ve had time to build up an immunity against hate. Every now and then, the darts sneak past the shield I’ve built up. But I talk about them. I don’t hold them in, because my story could be what prevents someone else’s story from ever happening.

In your opinion, what should non-Black people be doing to support the Black community?

Read and understand the history of this country. Take the time to analyze your own prejudices and seek to find the origin. Understand that change takes time, but be eager to make that change. Speak up when you see or hear something that could offend someone else. Decide if job security, friends, family members or social status matters more than defending and seeking justice for the oppressed and abused.

Regarding the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic and its affect on the music industry as a whole, how has that affected you personally?

I no longer tour or travel as much as a performer as I used to. However, the few shows that I had were canceled. Studio sessions were canceled. Productions were halted as I sought to collaborate with musicians around the world.

What has this moment taught you?

I am extremely blessed that no one I know personally contracted or died from the virus. And because I was blessed enough to be spared from it, I found myself spending more time with my family. I found myself spending more time working on projects that I never had time to work on. As an introvert, I realized just how much I love staying home. I also realized how much time and money was spent on doing things and going places that I really didn’t need to do or go to. So this moment has taught me how to prioritize the things that really matter. My gift of music and my craft does not define who I am as an individual. Music is what I love, and it's what I do, but it’s not who I am. It’s a large part of me, but not the whole. Taking time to look inward has helped me realize that.

Moments like this can be a springboard for creativity or innovation—has that been your experience?

Because I’m an introvert, I have always set aside time to be alone with my thoughts and creativity. I haven't grown musically as a result of COVID, but I have been forced to be innovative when it comes to how to collaborate with friends and other musicians. I’ve had to rely on technology and focus on the importance of the individual when it comes to how my music relates to fans.   

Want To Support Protesters And Black Lives Matter Groups? Here’s How

Conversations: Live Music
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"Conversations": New York City Venue Owners, Promoters And Producers Discuss The Return Of Live Music

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In the latest episode of our "Conversations" series, presented by the Recording Academy's New York Chapter, live music professionals examine the new realities of presenting live music in the COVID-19 era
Katherine Turman
Membership
Feb 23, 2021 - 8:55 am

City Winery founder Michael Dorf offers a glass-half-full take on the pandemic's brutal decimation of in-person entertainment: "There's no question that 2020 confirmed the value of live music and of people being together. What the audience feels—that can't be digitized on the screen," he observes. "That gives us all hope for '21, '22 and beyond, that live shows [are] something that people will pay for, and the value proposition is stronger than ever."

Speaking on a virtual panel as part of the "Conversations" series, presented by the Recording Academy's New York Chapter, Dorf and five other live music experts concur that "there's a light at the end of the tunnel" for live music returning to New York City.

The panel discussion (watch in full above), hosted by SummerStage Executive Artistic Director and the Recording Academy's New York Chapter secretary Erika Elliott, offered hope that some indoor concerts could resume by fall. What that will look like is ever-changing. But thanks to constant conversations, as well as a newly forged togetherness brought about by organizations like the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) as well as the Save Our Stages Act, it's moving forward. 

Entertainment venues—the "first to close, last to open"—are rallying. "We can no longer wait for the virus, the pandemic, to be over," adds Ariel Palitz, Senior Executive Director NYC Office of Nightlife, Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. "We have to figure out ways right now to get open for our mental, economic, spiritual health." 

In the "before times," New York City boasted "27,000 entertainment and hospitality venues, [which amounted to a] 35.1 billion dollar industry with 300,000 jobs," Palitz says.

Independent promoter Alex Damashekof Move Forward Music echoed the experiences of all panelists when he recalled the events subsequent to March 10, 2020: "It was like the faucet was turned off. No money coming in whatsoever. Those first three months was like being dropped off a cliff with no ground in sight."  

Harlem's Apollo Theater, a nonprofit, was on track to have a very profitable year come June 2020, which marks the end of their fiscal year. "It seemed as if overnight we saw $5 million in earned revenue gone," Kamilah Forbes, the venue's executive producer, says. 

While essentially all venues pivoted to streaming, it didn't monetarily aid the rooms or employees, the participants note. It is seen more as a "Band-Aid" for the lockdown era. Attempts to open doors with ever-changing virus rates and capacity rules weren't feasible. 

"Streaming is not a money-maker," says Steve Bensusan, President of Blue Note Entertainment Group. Bensusan, who also operates Sony Hall and has a Blue Note location in Hawaii currently open with a limited capacity, added: "When [Blue Note] re-opened in New York as a restaurant, at 25 percent capacity with 'incidental music' [as mandated], I was wasting my time."

Dorf, who has a tent open for shows at his City Winery Nashville location, says, "Now, with vaccines and the next round of Save Our Stages, we all see the light at the end of the tunnel. We're kind of shifting from defense to offense again." 

The biggest question is when and what reopening venues will look like. Vaccine rollout has been slower than hoped and testing at the door is going to be very important, all experts agree. 

"There are passes being developed that will become part of the protocol for admission to all of our places," Dorf says. "Until there's enough shots in people's arms where you can prove you can have a COVID-19-free space, it's going to be very hard to have that psychological safety of being in a room with people. There's a lot of practical steps that still haven't gotten there."

Dorf offered his guesstimate: "I would say in the summer we're going to start to see some re-opening of venues—outdoor dining of course, because of the weather. In the fall, I think we're going to be back with some limited capacity." That said, open-seated rooms and flexible spaces are going to be more conducive to reopening quickly than larger, fixed-seat locations. 

Even before COVID, the live music industry was facing concerns that included racial equity, safety, wages, and quality-of-life issues with neighbors, Palitz observed. On the plus side, the pandemic offered "an opportunity to take a pause, to reevaluate what wasn't working, and to rebuild and fix the things which weren't going exactly right before the pandemic," she says. 

The craving for live entertainment and connection is powerful, and Palitz predicts positive outcomes moving forward. "I do see a renaissance and a revival coming," she says. "It's going to be a time of celebration, and a lot more appreciation for what we nearly lost."

New Year x New Music x New Normal: How Artists, Creatives And The Music Industry Learned To Pivot And Adapt During The Pandemic

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Leslie Fram

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CMT Senior VP Of Music Strategy Leslie Fram On Finding Comfort In Music & TV In Unprecedented Times

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With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, GRAMMY.com checked in with Fram to get her perspective on the current situation, its ongoing effect on the music industry and how CMT is responding
GRAMMYs
Aug 6, 2020 - 10:44 am

To call Leslie Fram accomplished would be a massive understatement. A 30-year music industry veteran, the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Board member holds the position of Senior VP of Music Strategy over at CMT, where she oversees music on all platforms. Additionally, in 2013, Fram started CMT's Next Women of Country franchise and is the co-founder of 2014's Change The Conversation, which fights for gender equality in country music. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, GRAMMY.com checked in with Fram to get her perspective on the current situation, its ongoing effect on the music industry and how CMT is innovating in these unprecedented times.

In one word, how would you describe the current state of the world?  

Unprecedented.

Thinking of the one word you chose, would you use that same word to describe the current state of the music industry? Why or why not?

Yes. Due to the pandemic, we are seeing a shift in the music industry with consolidation and a shift in priorities with major labels and agencies. The impact on "live" music and touring being disrupted has shifted the paradigm. 

As a woman in music and TV, how would you describe your professional journey?

It’s important to find your champions! I've been lucky to work for companies that supported hiring based on experience, male or female. I believe in a strong work ethic and as a manager, empowering a team. I have also learned along the way not to be defined by your job. I made the decision later in my career to take a leap of faith and change a career path in radio to television and rock to country. It was the greatest move I ever made, believing in myself and not being afraid to make a change.

How can the music and television communities contribute to creating change?

Listening more to your audience. They are the first to adapt to change. I’m proud to say at CMT we adopted an "Equal Play" policy in our video hours to support 50/50 male/females in a genre that has not supported female voices.

What are you personally doing to activate and advocate change in your current position and in your personal life?

I am actively involved in a new organization in Nashville called Nashville Music Equality. Our mission is to increase minority representation on all levels of the music industry through educating non-minority colleagues of the struggles that African Americans face and challenging them to raise their voice to enact change. At CMT, we are working on the next level of "Equal Play" for female artists and equality for all artists.

Personally, I just started drinking a gallon of water a day!!!!!

The COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly rocked and continues to rock the music industry as a whole. Have you had any revelations about the entertainment industry, specifically music and TV?

It has devastated touring musicians and crew. Through television, we have been able to produce and support programs that raise money for organizations that support these groups like MusiCares and their Coronavirus Relief Fund. Music has always been a unifying factor, especially in times of uncertainty. As consumers have more time since working from home, they are consuming more music and watching more television. Music and television can be a companion during this time and provide relief and comfort.

What has this COVID-19 moment taught you personally?

This time has taught be to be more present and to be grateful for each day. Time is a gift and choosing to use that gift with more of the people that matter the most in your life.

Times like this can inspire creativity and/or innovation. As a music executive at a cable TV network, have you witnessed this within your company via your team and the artists you all engage with?  

Absolutely. We are all learning to be more creative and nimble. CMT has produced two music specials at home, "CMT Giants: Kenny Rogers" and "CMT Celebrates Our Heroes." Our producers, led by Margaret Comeaux, were able to put together two beautiful shows that honored so many heroes and engaged our audience. Our Digital Team, led by Melissa Goldberg, has produced some of the most innovative franchises that showcase our country talent and how they are managing their time during the pandemic! Check out "Off The Road With Jon Pardi"—it is epic!

Torae Talks Fighting For Change & Overhauling The Music Industry's Business Model

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Rome, Italy

Photo by: Giuseppe Greco/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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Resources for Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: Asia, Europe & The U.K.

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The Recording Academy is committed to sharing resources to the global community of music creators and professionals affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic
GRAMMYs
Mar 23, 2020 - 5:11 pm

In the current coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, music creators and many of the professionals who support them have been greatly affected. The Recording Academy is committed to creating, amplifying, and sharing resources that will provide some form of comfort.

While The Academy’s MusiCares has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund available as a safety net for music creators in need, below you will find resources available to those in the music community who live in Asia, Europe and United Kingdom.
 

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ASIA

Hong Kong Arts Development Council
The organization has increased its support for the Arts & Cultural Sector to HK$55 million to help relieve the financial burden of the arts sector during this difficult period. Information on how to apply is on the org’s website.

Singapore Sets up Funding for Arts and Culture Sector amid COVID-19 Outbreak 
About S$1.6 million will be set aside for the arts and culture sector as part of support for the community amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and to prepare the sector for “post-disease recovery.”

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EUROPE

BELGIUM

Flanders Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Self-employed persons and assistants in the main occupation and assisting spouses who have to stop their activity due to the corona virus can receive financial benefits.

Wallonia-Brussels Federation
Information on aid for artists negatively impacted by event and job cancellations and/or postponements related to COVID-19.

FINLAND

Finnish Foundations and Ministry Provide Millions In Emergency Aid For Cultural Sector in Distress
A number of large Finnish foundations, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) are working together to grant swift assistance to arts and culture professionals who have been hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak. Funding totaling approximately EUR 1.5 million will be apportioned during April via the Arts Promotion Centre (Taike). Foundations will also grant significant sums in aid through their own channels.

FRANCE

Institut Français COVID-19 Resources
This French institute, that promotes French culture abroad, while promoting artistic exchanges and dialogue between cultures, has compiled several available resources for French artists and those employed in cultural sectors.

French Government’s Measures for Temporary Workers and Employees in the Cultural Sector
Muriel Pénicaud, Minister of Labor, and Franck Riester, Minister of Culture, have announced exceptional measures to support intermittent workers and employees in the cultural sector in the context of the health crisis.

Pays de la Loire Region Coronavirus Emergency Plan
This €50 million plan would be devoted to supporting the local economy --- €25 million in immediately available credits in the form of existing support systems and €25 million in new measures and credits, including €2 million in support of cultural and sports associations. The Pays de la Loire covers the area to the south of Brittany and Normandy, along the lower stretches of the river Loire.

French Government Containment System Certifications
On March 16, 2020, the French Government decided to take measures to minimize contact and travel. “A containment system has been in place since Tuesday, March 17 at 12:00 p.m., for a minimum of fifteen days. Travel is prohibited except in the following cases and only if you have a certificate for: 1.) Move from home to work when telework is not possible 2.) Make essential purchases in authorized local shops 3.) Go to a health professional 4.) Travel for child care or to help vulnerable people, or for a compelling family reason, duly justified, on the strict condition of respecting barrier gestures 5.) Exercise only on an individual basis, around the home and without any gathering. Violations of these rules without a certificate will be punished with a fine of 135 euros.”

GERMANY

GEMA Corona Aid Fund
The German performance rights organization has created a $43 million fund for composers, lyricists, music publishers and songwriter members negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on how one is personally affected, members can apply for transitional aid of up to EUR 5,000.

The Luxembourg Government – COVID-19 Efforts
The Ministry of The Economy has established a website and hotline for information and recommendations for businesses

Queer Relief (Berlin) 
Created by the queer community in Berlin, this application was created to help offer support for those who are vulnerable to COVID-19. Applicants who are on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, womxn, sex workers, refugees, and other marginalized individuals (i.e. BiPoC) will receive priority.

Petition: Help for Freelancer and Artists during the Corona Shutdown
This petition seeks to urge Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz immediate financial help for freelancers and people from the creative scene, for example in the form of “1.) Non-bureaucratic bridging money, for example in the form of a temporary (unconditional) basic income 2.) Aid fund to quickly compensate for lost income, e.g. connected to the artists' social security fund (but expressly NOT limited to its members, since all freelancers are equally affected) and 3.) A short-time work benefit, in which the net income from the last available tax assessment is based on a monthly support payment by the tax offices.”

ITALY

Petition: Appeal for Urgent Support For Show Business Workers
Fondazione Centro Studi Doc has set up this Change.org petition advocating Italy’s President and government to extend immediate emergency relief to the artistic community

POLAND

Poland’s Culture Promotion Fund
Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage is offering social assistance from The Culture Promotion Fund can be obtained by artists who are in a difficult financial situation.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need To Do
The UK Government has set up a webpage offering information on financial support, school and business closures, small business support, and health related updates.

UK Tax Helpline for Businesses
New Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) helpline launched to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Help Musicians Health and Welfare Support
Help Musicians’ Health and Welfare team offers structured support to professional musicians in times of personal crisis. Their approach is “person-centered; building tailored support around an individual’s specific needs.” Help Musicians is unable to replace lost earnings. But they are able to provide financial support in cases of significant financial hardship as well as signposting for debt/welfare-related issues. The organization also provides financial assistance for health interventions and access to music specialist health assessments for performance-related health issues. Applicants who live in the United Kingdom who have savings that do not exceed £16,000 (rare exceptions may be made; for example, the limit is a higher £20,000 for retirees) should apply.

Music Venue Trust
Emergency legal advice for music venues. The organization allows every venue in the country to access free legal and expert advice on licensing, planning, development, noise, and even tenancy issues.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Musicians
Incorporated Society of Musicians has compiled an online resource hub for performers, music professionals, private and employed music teachers.

Musicians’ Union Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice
Find advice and read latest news on Coronavirus for musicians

Association of Independent Promoters
The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) is a new not for profit trade association bringing together independent promoters from across the UK. Our aim is to represent, empower and provide a vital support network to promoters.

Petition: UK Government to offer economic assistance to the events industry during COVID-19
For the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.

Petition: Temporary Income Protection Fund
This Change.org petition is asking the government to create a Temporary Income Protection Fund to support freelancers through the Coronavirus crisis. The idea is for a time-limited, targeted injection of funds to keep businesses afloat over the coming months and cover basic income costs like food and rent.

Scottish Government COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The Scottish government has announced a £350m fund for councils, charities, businesses and community groups. Roughly £45 million will be added to the existing Scottish Welfare Fund which makes community grants and crisis grants to those in immediate need. In addition, £20 million will be allocated to a Third Sector Resilience Fund, £40 million to the Supporting Communities Fund to support the rapidly growing and inspiring community efforts at a local level; £70m will be allocated to a Food Fund and £50 million will be given to the Wellbeing Fund which will help charities and others who require additional capacity to work with at-risk people.

Ireland Artist Emergency Relief Fund
The Civic Theatre in Dublin has created this fund to provide financial relief to Irish artists experiencing lost income related to COVID-19. Small grants of up to €500 will be paid rapidly on a first-come, first-served basis to affected artists and groups.
 

GENERAL RESOURCES

MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events. From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events, and the creative community behind it all. Administered through MusiCares, the COVID-19 Fund will be used to directly support those in the music community with the greatest need. To establish the fund, both the Recording Academy and MusiCares have contributed an initial donation of $1 million each, totaling $2 million. Additionally, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. Further updates and announcements will be made in the coming days.