Writers and translators hit by the corona crisis can now apply for three support schemes set up especially for them. They can apply for up to €5,000 for a project grant or income support. The first submission deadline closes on 30 September 2020. Membership of the Authors' Association or affiliation to Lira is not compulsory.
Maria Vlaar, chairperson Authors' Union: "The corona crisis is having profound effects on the professional practice of self-employed writers and translators. Publications are being postponed, plays cancelled, film shoots put on hold. With the new schemes, we can help them to continue their professional practice and continue to implement their creative ideas. A total of about 200 - 250 writers and translators are expected to be able to apply for the schemes. The Authors' Association is happy and proud to help them through this crisis as far as possible."
These are the following schemes:
- Starter money scenario: For self-employed screenwriters who need a financial contribution for the very first development phase of a new screenplay for a film, single play or television series.
- Scheme for new projects and working grants authors: For writers and translators who need a financial contribution to write or translate a text, or for an activity as part of their professional development. Eligible are self-employed creators of texts in the broadest sense of the word, such as writers and translators of books, poets, columnists, essayists, children's and children's book writers, crime writers, writers and translators of plays, non-fiction authors, subtitlers and other creators of texts.
- Compensation scheme authors: for writers and translators who are struggling to continue their professional practice because they have lost income from their independent writing due to the corona crisis.
Three rounds of applications
The schemes are run by the Authors' Union, but they are open to all self-employed writers and translators. Membership of the Authors' Union or affiliation to the Lira (the collective management organisation that collects and pays out royalties) is not compulsory. The budget is divided equally and made available in three application rounds.
- Application round 1: 1 September 2020 - 30 September 2020
- Application round 2: 1 January 2021- 31 January 2021
- Application round 3: 1 April 2020 - 30 April 2021
From today, self-employed journalists can apply for the Support Fund for Freelance Journalists Scheme. They can apply for a financial contribution of up to 2,500 euros for a written journalistic production. The scheme is implemented by De Coöperatie Matching Fund Foundation.
Where does the money come from?
The schemes are part of the Rights Sector Support Fund, set up to help independent creators cope with the effects of the corona crisis. The Rights Sector Support Fund was made possible by a contribution from the Minister of Education, Culture and Science and the collective management organisations that collect and pay royalties to creators. The support schemes for writers and translators were made possible by a contribution from Lira.
How to apply?
On the website of the Authors' Association, you will find all the information you need about the different schemes.
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