The initial results of a-n’s Coronavirus Covid-19 Survey show a significant immediate impact on a-n’s members. 93% of respondents have reported that they, their practice or career have been affected by the pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 public health crisis, a-n ran a survey to understand how the virus outbreak is impacting artists and arts managers and the support they need. The survey was open from Thursday 19 March to Tuesday 24 March 2020 and was sent to 25,000 a-n members across the UK and publicised across social media.
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. We received a huge 4,070 responses, which represents 15% of a-n’s membership.
The results have found that since the initial government guidance to social distance and self-isolate 82% of respondents have had upcoming work cancelled, including events, performances and public activities. Meanwhile 59% of respondents have cancelled their own similar types of upcoming work.
96% of respondents are experiencing an immediate impact on income. The majority indicate an impact on the key mechanisms through which artists earn a living, including exhibitions, selling work and other employment.
The way that people work and connect has also been affected, with 92% suggesting an impact on networking. Although less commonly cited than some other areas, 69% suggest an immediate impact on their studio space, while 65% identify an immediate and significant effect on grants and awards.
Next steps
These initial headlines focus on quantitative data. With BOP Consulting, who helped design the survey, we are conducting further analysis to gain insights from the qualitative survey questions and will investigate the experience of different groups in more depth. We will share these findings soon.
Your responses are helping us focus our efforts on how we can best support our members, and we are working with our sector partners to advocate on your behalf.
