The Coronavirus - COVID-19
Lots of useful links:
AFO is part of UK Live Music Group https://www.ukmusic.org/about/our-members/uk-live-music-group and represents our corner to HM government through this very powerful and influential group. See latest news release here https://www.ukmusic.org/news/uk-music-calls-for-urgent-clarity-on-the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-music-eve
In particular this group has the ear of DCMS. We are meeting in conference calls daily.
Through the Events Industry Forum (EIF) https://www.eventsindustryforum.co.uk/index.php/eif-membership, which AFO chairs, is a group of 26 event industry professional associations. This body also has a strong and influential voice through the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Home Office.
AFO will not give direct advice on which you can act. However, you may take the information or advice offered and use it if you wish by your own choice.
Click on the following for more helpful information and possible funding:
Best summary of the support being offered to business, workers and the self-employed HERE
Chancellor's report 26 March 2020 HERE
Now is the time your membership of the appropriate association is very important.
Festivals or events - you should be an AFO member https://www.festivalorganisers.org/
Musicians - you should be a Musician’s Union (MU) member https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/
Promoters, Agents or Managers - you should be member of the appropriate association.
“Techies” - you should be a member of Production Services Association (PSA) https://www.psa.org.uk/
For more general information on live music in the UK versus the virus see https://www.ukmusic.org/help-and-advice/uk-music-statement-on-coronavirus-and-the-music-industry/
Do be aware that the situation regarding the virus changes by the hour.
Keep up-to-date and follow HM government guidance. This is not a party-political issue, this is the human race and its social economic survival against the virus.
If you have major questions that are concerning your own business, festival, career, promotion, management or agency it is very likely that AFO has direct contact with someone who can advise. Be it the Association or the government department.
AFO is available to channel correspondence where necessary. This should not stop you and your organisation speaking directly to your own union or association or government department. We will not always reply to you personally but can forward your question or concern to the right place.
Together we shall win. Keep safe and good luck.
Steve Heap General Secretary. AFO and Chairman EIF
AFO Partners
