Initiatives
for musicians in
times of
COVID-19
The coronavirus crisis is affecting us all. Not least, it is affecting many musicians, who are seeing their wonderful plans fall apart, losing a large portion of their income, and living in uncertainty about what the future holds. In this overview, we highlight initiatives that musicians can turn to right now for support. Moreover, at a time when the coronavirus is forcing the cultural sector to shut its doors, a whole world of art, music, and theater is opening up online.
Together we are strong
Collective initiatives to strengthen the cultural sector as a whole
Kunstenbond Reporting Center
A reporting center where musicians, among others, can share their stories, problems, and lost income. In this way, the union is trying to assess the impact of the COVID-19 measures on the cultural sector. In addition, their website offers a clear step-by-step guide for applying for assistance as a self-employed person: the temporary bridging scheme.
Cultuur+Ondernemen
The Cultuur+Ondernemen Foundation is the leading knowledge center for entrepreneurship in the cultural sector, even during these times. For cultural organizations, artists, creatives, and makers. Their advisors are available through their help desk to assist you.
NPO Radio 4
The Dutch classical radio station offers a comprehensive overview of initiatives for and by musicians. Illustrated with videos of musicians (worldwide) performing online or taking action.
Funds
There are various funds doing their best to make as much information as possible available online, and they also serve as points of contact for musicians affected by the coronavirus crisis or concerned about a grant that has already been awarded.
The Culture Fund in collaboration with Fonds21, the VandenEnde Foundation, and the VSB Fund
Voordekunst
Artists and institutions that are losing income can now launch “fundraising campaigns” on Voordekunst. Donors can specifically choose to support you as an artist. In exchange for a donation, you can offer special rewards, such as a living room concert or sending a (CD) track. To sign up, use this form.
Financial Assistance
Ways in which organizations support musicians
Central Government & Chamber of Commerce
The government is taking measures to assist employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. The latest information and developments can be found on their website. For questions about entrepreneurship and the “Temporary Bridging Scheme for Self-Employed Individuals” , they refer you to the Corona Help Desk of the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce has also a complete overview of all the options available to self-employed individuals.
Banks
Banks often offer payment deferrals for mortgages. For example, Rabobank, for example, offers a 3-month deferral on mortgage payments. The ING and ABN AMRO have a page that answers various questions about the coronavirus crisis. Check your own bank’s website to see what they can do for you.
The Netherlands Bach Society
The Bach Society notes that Passiontide is an important source of income for (Baroque) musicians. For this reason, they are calling on their website for donations and asking people not to request refunds for canceled concerts. This helps support many (Baroque) musicians.
Tarisio Auction House
Tarisio is organizing a benefit auction in April to support affected musicians. With the proceeds from the sale of several exceptional string instruments, they hope to bring joy to many musicians by awarding $600 to those who apply. Musicians worldwide can submit an application, and the awards will be distributed by lottery. Apply here.
Platforms for Alternative Initiatives
Initiatives to Continue Cultural Programs
Boekman Foundation
“In this overview, we’re featuring new initiatives from cultural organizations and creators who, in these times when physical contact isn’t possible, still want to help their audiences get through this difficult period digitally. We probably aren’t exhaustive, but we’re constantly adding new ideas and highlighting a different initiative every day. For this overview, we’ve organized the list by art discipline, and we use symbols to indicate which initiatives will inspire you to get creative yourself.”
#Living Room Challenge
Audiences are stuck at home, and musicians have empty schedules. That’s why classicnl and the BankGiro Lottery are presenting the Living Room Challenge—a challenge that gives musicians the chance to reach, inspire, and amaze audiences at home during these extraordinary times. There are many attractive prizes to be won!
Concerts in the living room
Many musicians, concert halls, chamber music organizations, and even music retailers are coming up with ways to fill this time with music despite the circumstances. If audiences can’t physically attend a venue, the music comes into their living rooms via (live) streaming. Here’s just a selection of the many possibilities, to which musicians themselves can sometimes contribute:
- Noorderkerk Concerts Live
- Concertgebouw and Concertgebouw Facebook (not live)
- Livestream overview from across Europe
- #unlockyourpiano from the Belgian piano company Maene
- NPO Radio4: Sander Plays Chamber Orchestra
The Musical Instrument Fund Live • The Sound of...
From the offices of the Musical Instrument Fund and two locations in Amsterdam featuring grand pianos from the collection, musicians will perform a livestream concert on Sunday afternoon. In addition to making music, they’ll share their personal stories and show videos from their musical lives. So tune in and share the livestreams with your friends!