Starting on May 17, freelancers in the UAE who have been impacted by coronavirus are finally getting the help they deserve. The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development (MCKD) just launched a grant to take financial strain off individuals and companies caused by the pandemic.
With coronavirus wreaking havoc across the nation since early March, the UAE’s creative industry was among the first to suffer. Exhibitions and productions were cancelled, and it remains unclear when things will open up again.
To aid those who were impacted, MCKD is offering between 15,000 to 50,000 AED to freelancers and small companies in the creative sector. According to MCKD’s website, anyone working in the natural and cultural heritage, performing arts, visual arts, audiovisual and interactive media, literature, press and design, sectors can apply.
Called the National Creative Relief Programme, the government grant is the first of its kind in the region.
“Creatives have always had a significant impact on our lives, they make positive change in society through their works,” said the UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Noura Al Kaabi on its launch.
