UK Artists Get Grants, Prizes, and Residencies During Pandemic

While Italy awaits government support for visual arts, the UK has already launched multiple initiatives to aid artists during the coronavirus crisis. The Serpentine Galleries' artistic director Hans-Ulrich Obrist proposed a public art project inspired by the New Deal, but it remains unclear if the London government has taken it up. Meanwhile, Artquest, promoted by the University of the Arts London, encourages cooperative or community-based projects connecting isolated people. The King Lear awards provide cash prizes for over-70s in literature, music, art, and video, referencing Shakespeare's play written during the plague. Fact in Liverpool offers Fact Together, a £1,500 grant for young artists plus online presentation support. The Manchester International Festival (MIF) has revived artist funds and launched Festival in My House, inviting local creatives to host remote courses, conferences, and research projects. The Artists Information Company and Arts Council England organize Time Space Money bursaries, with Creative Scotland following suit. Coventry, named UK City of Culture 2021, plans to announce events in autumn 2020, with the Coventry City of Culture Trust focusing on local arts organizations and Warwickshire.