Unity’s Crowdfunder success allows up to 12 more artists to be supported through our Open Call Programme

Monday, 22 February 2021

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Unity’s Crowdfunder success allows up to 12 more artists to be supported through our Open Call Programme 

  • Thanks to the generosity of so many, Unity’s fundraising campaign to support Liverpool artists has exceeded target with over £10,300 raised.
  • This money will allow us to support an additional 12 artists with income, performance opportunity and welfare support through our Open Call Programme.
  • The total figure raised includes a very generous donation from Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse to fund two additional opportunities for ethnically diverse artists.
  • Applications have now reopened for all additional Open Call places.

We are delighted to announce that, with the success of our Crowdfunder to support Liverpool artists, today we will be reopening applications for our Open Call programme to support up to 12 more artists with income, creative opportunity and welfare support following the pandemic. These artists will join the 12 we have already announced as part of Unity’s 2021 Season.

We have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown for the city’s artists and performers from everybody who has donated to and shared the Crowdfunder campaign. In due course we will be getting in touch with all supporters to thank them personally. At a time when hope feels so desperately needed, the money raised by 370 generous individuals to provide further opportunity for Liverpool artists is an important reminder of the value of the arts and the joy it can bring.

In total the Crowdfunder has exceeded it’s £7500 target and raised over £10,300, allowing us to fund 12 additional artists. We are truly delighted to announce that this figure includes a donation of £2500 from our friends and partners at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse. The purpose of Unity’s Open Call was not only to provide Liverpool artists with money and the chance to perform again after the pandemic removed most work, but also to ensure that a diverse group of artists could access this opportunity. This new collaboration with the Everyman and Playhouse will build on this work and will fund at least two additional artists, with a focus on ethnically diverse theatre makers.

The first 12 artists supported by Unity through the Open Call Programme have already been announced, you can read more about them here. In early-April we look forward to sharing the full details of their work alongside information about the additional artists the Crowdfunder money has allowed us to support.

Gordon Millar, CEO and Artistic Director of Unity says,

“We have been blown-away by the response to our fundraising campaign to support additional Liverpool artists through our Open Call programme. It has been such a difficult time for live performers, with income streams and creative outlets restricted. Witnessing the support of the public these past three weeks and the immense generosity they have shown toward the city’s artists proves what we already knew about creativity being a cornerstone of our city. Collaboration is also a crucial part of what makes Liverpool’s artistic community thrive, so we are delighted to be working with our friends at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse for this second wave of Open Call applications. By exceeding our target we are able to double the number of artists we can support, so we are extremely grateful to all who donated”.

To find out more and apply for Unity’s Open Call Programme, including the places funded by Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, please click here. Artists who previously applied for the Open Call need not resubmit their application as our panel are already in the process of shortlisting from those submitted in December. However you are welcome to resubmit with any updates or enter a second application.

Thank you so much again, words cannot express how grateful we are and what a difference this will make.

Links:

Apply for Unity’s Open Call

Find out more about Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and their New Works Programme

Find out more about the first 12 artists announced as part of Unity’s Open Call Programme

Donate to the Crowdfunder before midnight on Monday 22nd February

 

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