“I couldn’t say what life is like here, if we didn’t have all that…”
When we selected this quote as the title for our film two years ago, we never imagined that the touring of live performances would come to as abrupt a standstill as the one we’re currently experiencing. Or that each and every one of us would so quickly learn what life is like without cultural experiences on our doorstep, without the freedom to travel, to visit friends and family, or to go about normal life.
Yet here we are.
It’s been heartening to see the creativity and community spirit that’s emerging from the crisis: with performers live-streaming events from their living rooms, straight to sofas full of captive audiences around the world; and venues adapting to what their communities need most right now – providing hubs for volunteers, food banks, and other frontline services.
Whilst arts and culture might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now, our network shares a cohesive vision for better access to remarkable live performances across rural Scotland. Despite the uncertainty we’re all currently facing, we’re staying positive, and connected, and are here for our members.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS PAUSED
We recognise that the majority of our members will be facing financial uncertainty and hardship at the moment, and have therefore paused all membership renewals from March until at least the end of June.
If your membership is due for renewal during this time, please rest assured that you will still be able to access all our services as usual, including our funding pots, and our online members area.
Bronwen, our Network Development Coordinator, will be in touch with you in due course to discuss options for renewal.
ACCESS TO FUNDS
Our Seed Fund will be available to all Corrie and Cairn members during this time, and as well as helping you to take your practice as a promoter or performer in a new direction, we are also open to considering requests for activities that will help you sustain your role in your community or the wider arts sector in Scotland.
Find out how to apply to the Seed Fund by visiting our members area: THE KNOW HOW
STAY CONNECTED
Since March, we have been hosting online Network Meet-ups twice a week – on Monday afternoons from 3-4pm, and Wednesday mornings from 10-11am.
We’ll be continuing these for the foreseeable and welcome fellow promoters and performers to join us for an informal chat. Find out more about how to join the meet ups here: https://thetouringnetwork.com/lets-get-digital-digital/
We also welcome you to get in touch by email or by phone if you need our support, or just fancy a blether. We’re here for you.
Stay safe. Stay strong.
The Touring Network Team
———————————-
USEFUL LINKS:
Creative Scotland COVID-19 Funding & Resource Directory: https://www.creativescotland.com/resources/professional-resources/covid-19-directory
COVID – 19 Government Resources – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
UK Freelance Artist Support Resource List with all of the relevant funds, crowd funders, petitions and industry specific advice.
Bi-Weekly Meetups – https://thetouringnetwork.com/lets-get-digital-digital/
Remote Working Advice – https://thetouringnetwork.com/how-we-operate-a-remote-working-model/
Ideas for Rural Communities to Stay Connected – https://thetouringnetwork.com/ideas-for-rural-communities-to-stay-connected-during-coronavirus/
OUR FILM