‘We Rely On Their Skills Every Day’: BPI/BRIT Awards Donate To Live

Stagehand is the emergency fund of the Production Services Association (PSA).

The money raises Stagehand’s relief fund to £240,000 ($313,000), which will go to support live music and events professionals hit hard by the government-mandated restrictions in reaction to Covid.

This contribution from BPI/BRIT Awards comes on top of £1.62 million ($2.1 million) of BPI-co-ordinated funds donated earlier this year by the recorded music sector to charities and organizations supporting artists, managers and venues through the pandemic.

Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BPI, BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize, commented: “Our industry is deeply interconnected and while everyone is feeling the pain of the Covid-19 pandemic in some way, no sector has felt its force to the same degree as the live business. 

“This includes, the expert technicians and events professionals who help make great performances happen. 

“That’s why it’s right that, in addition to previous donations to charities benefitting artists, managers and venues, we should not overlook this important part of the music family.

“We rely on their skills every year in staging The BRIT Awards and the Hyundai Mercury Prize, and we’re delighted to assist the important work of Stagehand supporting live production crew.”

Mike Lowe, Stagehand’s chair of trustees, added: “As the BPI and BRITs donate £54,000 to Stagehand, it is met with our sincerest appreciation. Forming part of our ongoing Covid-19 Crew Relief Campaign, their contribution will be invaluable, and has now enabled the fund to reach the £240,000 mark. 

“As time goes on, the crisis worsens, and we continue to see first-hand how the current economic situation is affecting skilled live production crew. This money will reassure those struggling to meet food or housing bills that the industry they love has not forgotten them.”