AQW 28644/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 25/01/2022
Answered On Date: 24/02/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities (i) what steps were taken to ensure freelance workers in the creative industry sector, such as musicians, DJs, promoters, publicists, artist managers, security staff, technicians, sound engineers and other associated staff, were able to access previous and current arts sector support grants; (ii) for her assessment of the effect on these workers of the downturn in trade in the night-time hospitality and nightclub industries; and (iii) to detail any plans she has to support these workers both prior to, and beyond, the 26 January 2022 date for a change in restrictions, should this downturn persist.

Answer:

In September, I acted on the recommendation of the Culture Arts and Heritage Recovery Taskforce and launched the Creative Individuals Recovery Programme. This provided awards of up to £2,000 to help creative freelance and self-employed individuals reactivate, or enhance their trade, vocation or profession within the creative economy.

I am pleased to say that 1433 people received just under £3 million.