PRS for Music launches membership Emergency Relief Fund

25 March 2020 - Press release

 

• Money to support songwriters and composers during unprecedented times of hardship

 

PRS for Music today announced an immediate PRS Emergency Relief Fund to support its members during the Coronavirus pandemic. In partnership with the PRS Members’ Fund and PRS Foundation, the money will be available to PRS members around the world who are facing significant financial pressure as we battle the virus.

The live industry has halted globally, television and film production is on hold and businesses are closing, causing a dramatic reduction in music used. Collectively the livelihoods of creators, many of whom are freelance or small businesses themselves, are at significant risk during this crisis.

While the government has offered assistance to businesses and has promised more targeted measures for freelancers, PRS members are experiencing great hardship right now.

The new fund is open to all PRS members around the world who have been a member for at least two years and earned 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.

Establishing this new PRS Fund is part of a wider plan to support members during the coming weeks, with further measures being explored.

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.”

PRS members wishing to apply for an Emergency Relief Fund grant can find more details at www.prsformusic.com/ERF

Grant applications will be live from 9am on Thursday 26 March 2020.

Money has been diverted to the PRS Emergency Relief Fund from paused, cancelled or postponed activities. Support has also been identified from the PRS Members’ Fund and PRS Foundation; two organisations with deep experience in helping those starting out in their creative careers and those in need. The scheme will be administered using the PRS Members’ Fund established grants model. 

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.”

PRS Chairman and Managing Director/European President of peermusic Nigel Elderton, 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.”

Royalty payments to members will be unaffected by the establishment of the PRS Emergency Relief Fund. The entire PRS team is focussed on processing and paying royalties to members as normal. To date, distributions will not be affected, and April’s payment will proceed as usual.

PRS for Music is working in partnership with the wider industry through UK Music to lobby government to further support creators and the creative sector to sustain support over the coming months.  

 

Stay tuned for more….