PRS for Music has today announced the launch of the PRS Emergency Relief Fund, created in partnership with PRS Members’ Fund and PRS Foundation.
The fund is designed to help those facing significant financial pressure as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and will be available to all writer members who have earnt over £500 in the last two years.
Grants will be awarded based on assessment of individual need and applicants will receive support up to a value of £1000.
Andrea C. Martin, chief executive officer, PRS for Music, said: ‘Our members are under threat as many parts of the music scene grind to a halt. They look to PRS for leadership, for support and to be the best and most trusted collecting society in the world. Members need to eat, support their families and pay rents – without industry support the future is challenging during this terrible time. Together we can get through this.’
John Logan, general secretary, PRS Members’ Fund, added: ‘Never before has there been a greater need for the services the Fund offers. This is what we do for creators every year, and I’m heartened the team at PRS have enabled us to do even more at this unprecedented time.’
Joe Frankland, chief executive officer, PRS Foundation, added: ‘The heightened concern for music creators’ livelihood increases our collective will to work harder and collaborate more to lessen the strain of this global crisis so we can ensure UK talent can thrive in the future.’
Nigel Elderton, chairman, PRS for Music and managing director/European president, peermusic, added: ‘Andrea, John and Joe and the team have the full support of the PRS Board during this difficult time. Our members have immediate need for assistance and it’s the right thing to do to support them. The music industry must come together to support its future during this period of national crisis.’
PRS members can apply for the Emergency Relief Fund and find more information here.
Grant applications will be live from 9am on Thursday 26 March.
