Dear artists and creatives

We know that for many there are real emerging and immediate challenges to your businesses due to COVID-19, and we are working quickly to more deeply understand the impacts. We are also in discussions with the Australia Council, and other State and Federal agencies to ensure we fully understand the impacts on the sector.

We recommend all organisations follow the advice from NSW Health on how to manage the recent spread of COVID-19, which includes focusing on hand hygiene and social distancing measures along with routine cleaning of high frequency touch points. For up to date information and advice and to access translated resources from NSW Health, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus

We know that you have already had to cancel events and activities, and I’m aware that with the decisions you have already made, or will make, you may be concerned this will prevent you from being able to deliver on the outcomes of your funding agreements, and also on the broader impacts on your organisation.

We are here to help. The Arts Funding team can assist with your individual concerns and provide support to vary your funding agreement.  This may include:

• Removing requirements to meet audience KPIs
• Varying the purpose and outcomes of funding
• Extending timelines for projects
• Allowing grants to be repurposed to pay essential bills such as rent, wages or utilities

In addition we are willing to delay reporting requirements such as acquittals.

Sue Procter, Director Business Operations, Investment & Governance has been using the information you have already provided to us in your applications to do an initial assessment. She is reaching out to organisations with high financial risk but is also available to discuss any concerns that you may have. Please contact her via email in the first instance on sue.procter@create.nsw.gov.au.

We also recommend you update your business continuity plans in light of recent advice from the State and Federal Government.

We will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 as the situation develops and will keep you informed on news relating to our sector as it comes to hand through regular communication and on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au

In the meantime if you have any questions or would like to discuss the impact on your program, please contact the Arts Funding Team: https://tinyurl.com/v2pd9we

We hope you remain safe and well during this time.

Kind regards

Chris Keely, Executive Director, Create NSW