"Competing in a crisis is not a solution": arts activists want to form "solidarity syndicates" so funding can be shared
Been a while (January 2017) since we featured the work of arts activists Make It Clear…Keep It Complex. They have been busy in the meantime applying themselves to the task of creating “tools and ideas to get involved in everyday politics” (very kindred spirits).
But we’re featuring them this week because they’re proposing an extraordinary act of Covid-moment solidarity. The UKGov has announced that Arts Council England will make £160 million available, as “emergency funding” for arts organisations utterly beached by the quarantine.
Make It Clear want artists to pitch for funds in groups, not as competing individuals or collectives, and then share out the rewards. They’re calling it a “Solidarity Syndicate”, and here’s their FAQ:
Why are you encouraging creatives to apply together?
This “emergency fund” is a lottery. ACE have cut individual funding by £10.4 million, making competition fierce. Many creatives are ineligible by ACE’s criteria. We do not believe competition is the answer to a crisis, so we urge you to form syndicates.
How does a syndicate work?
Together with a group of friends and/or colleagues you make a group of eligible and ineligible creatives. After making individual applications, you pool successful funding and share it.
For example, in a group of 10 creatives, 5 of the eligible submit applications for £2500 each. If 4 applications are successful, you have £10 000 to share between 10: each person gets £1000.
Why would I share the money if I can have it all to myself?
ACE has made this a competitive fund; the chances of any individual getting it are pretty low, plus many creatives are ineligible. Syndicates increase your odds by ensuring you have some money to assist in this crisis.
We know not everyone is in a position to share their pot. If that’s your situation, you may still consider joining a solidarity syndicate to mutually support each member with their application.
How long do I have to apply?
Opens 16 April, deadline 30 April 12pm midday
Don’t forget ACE requires you register on Grantium first, by 13 April and 27 April respectively – more info here.
How do I make a Solidarity Syndicate?
1. Put a call out to friends, colleagues and contacts to make a group
2. Agree between yourselves how the money will be divided (is it an equal split or do you have the means to support members based on hardship?)
3. Apply individually through the ACE website (all the details are here)
4. When ACE announces results you can share the cash between yourselves
Can you put me in touch with other creatives to form a Solidarity Syndicate?
If you tag @keepitcomplex on instagram we will share posts and stories to connect you with others interested in joining a syndicate. We cannot broker or manage relationships for you.
How many people have to be in a Solidarity Syndicate?
As many as you like. We have suggested 5 eligible creatives and 5 ineligible creatives, but it does not matter. See who you can get together and make it work!
Do I complete my application as an individual or as part of a syndicate?
You apply as an individual. Do not mention the syndicate to ACE. Think of it as a lottery: each of you buys a ticket, whatever you win gets shared between you, but you don’t notify EuroMillions.
How do I find out if I am eligible?
Look at the ACE guidelines here. Essentially, you have to be able to prove your work has been affected, and that you have previously been involved with publicly funded work.
I need to prove cancelled and curtailed work – how do I do that?
Our interpretation: think of work that has been cancelled, down-sized, postponed as well as the work that’s not coming in. You’ll need to quantify this in numbers. What was your working life like this time last year? Were you planning to apply for a now-cancelled fund? ACE may check for evidence, so bear this in mind. We don’t have all the answers so follow their guidance.
I need to prove I have been publicly funded in the past – how do I do that?
ACE guidelines state that you don’t have to have applied for the funding yourself – think of times your work was supported by: ACE, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, local authorities, universities, public sector bodies, trusts and foundations. More info here.
How long should I spend on the application?
We recommend you don’t spend hours on this application. Don’t let ACE waste your time with competition! Do your best in a short time and ask your syndicate for help with checking.
Try to enjoy the new solidarity network you’ve built!
Who are you and why are you so sure of this response?
We’re a small group of cultural workers who have come together with the support of Keep It Complex in an attempt to push back against the use of competitive funding in a time of crisis.
Solidarity Syndicate is a template that we will use, and encourage others to use. If it doesn’t work for you – change it! Solidarity has many different forms and we encourage you to try all of them!
More here. In their newsletter, Make It Complex extend their case. But they also hope the is a way for artists to get involved in new networks of solidarity among themselves - including the below:
Other things you can do in your syndicate…
Get involved with union activities:
United Voices of the World – Culture Workers
Organise:
Platform London’s Social Justice Waging System
Listen to each other, give space and time to each other.
Gossip, gossip, gossip.
Make It Complex have also pulled together a page of artists’ resources for Coronavirus - yet more intuitive commons-making in response to this pandemic. We have a rich archive of “artists” innovations on this site, testing out and anticipating the forms of a new politics