Covid-19 has removed opportunities for performing artists to earn a living. With clubs, theatres and social spaces closed for the near future, performing artists have lost their venues, their audiences, their motivation to practice, the opportunity to work together and most importantly, the income which provides for themselves and their families. The funds raised will enable musicians, actors and dancers create performances, within the constraints imposed by the pandemic, building on the work we have been doing since March on our Virtual Fridays series. They will use our Covid-safe premises to rehearse and perform using professional technical support. These performances will be promoted on social media with further opportunities to collect donations and channel them to the wider community of performing artists.. We hope that people who have enjoyed live performances in the past will be willing to support performers so that they will be 'match-fit' when the crisis is over

What we'll deliver:

• Classical, folk and jazz music; illustrated talks, poetry readings, comic acts etc.
• Premises, photography, editing and promotion costs and support for the artists
• Professional quality videos and live-streams to promote artists

Why it's a great idea:

We will produce classical, folk and jazz performances, dance and spoken word productions, for broadcast on social media. By doing this, we will give a new source of income for performing artists as well as providing a safe environment to rehearse and perform. The funds raised will pay for professional photographers and film-makers who are also suffering from a loss of income as a result of the crisis. The quality of output is important so that online supporters will be able to appreciate the skills of the performer and the importance of keeping them motivated (and paid)..

Steps to get it done:

• £2,000 to enable us book premises and staffing for the month of August
• £2,000 to book photographers, sound engineers and editors
• £2,000 to begin to book acts and pay their expenses
• £4,000 to make donations to performers

The venue is particularly valuable as it an accessible, visually stunning setting with a very good acoustic, and an extremely good piano.. There will be plenty of space within the building to socially distance. There will be staff to steward movements in the building and to provide food and refreshments all the while complying with coronavirus restrictions.