Covid-19 Resilience Fund

Supporting exhibitors in the North during periods of closure

The Covid-19 Resilience Fund has been set up using National Lottery funding to support exhibitors during periods of closure; helping them maintain core assets and connections with audiences.

Film Hub North works with exhibitors throughout the region to develop a larger, more diverse audience for British, independent and international film. But with cinemas currently closed and events postponed, it isn't possible for us to achieve this aim in the usual ways. Instead, our priority is to support the exhibitors in our network at this difficult time.

In response to ongoing disruption within the sector, Film Hub North - in partnership with colleagues across the BFI Film Audience Network - has redirected the majority of its National Lottery funding for audience development activity into the Covid-19 Resilience Fund. This fund will help organisations respond to the financial impacts of closure periods caused by Covid-19 and be in a position to reopen and reconnect with audiences in the future. Grants can support a variety of activity related to exhibitors' resilience plans and, unlike our regular funding, can be used to maintain core assets.

Am I eligible?

The Resilience Fund is open to Hub Members who can demonstrate immediate financial need and a track record of audience-facing activity that aligns with the BFI Film Audience Network's priorities. More details of the Film Audience Network's aims and priorities can be found in the 2022 strategy overview.

Organisations that have been awarded BFI Audience Fund Organisational Awards for 2020/21 are not eligible to apply. Further details of funding priorities and eligibility criteria can be found in the Application Guidelines.

Apply now

To apply to the Covid-19 Resilience Fund, email our team at info@filmhubnorth.org.uk. We will follow up to discuss your situation and, where applicable, how to move your application forward. 

After discussion with our team, you will be asked to complete the following documents:

• Application form
• Appendix documents: these will provide details of your funding request, income sources and cashflow
• Equal opportunities monitoring form

Completed paperwork should be returned to info@filmhubnorth.org.uk.