The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the Arts. As a professional, self-employed violinist, I have been experiencing this first hand. The consequences of the last 18 months will undoubtedly be deeply challenging for all of us in the profession, as we attempt to leave Lockdown behind and move towards to a very different landscape. Venues and artists have been struggling to survive and although things are feeling tentatively positive, things are far from back to normal.

Now, more than ever we need live music at the heart of our communities. No one can dispute its value - research proves it plays a huge part in mental health and wellbeing, and after over a year of Lockdowns, uncertainty and unprecedented changes in our lives, this is of great importance. Without financial support, ventures such as Classical PopUps simply will not survive and so many local communities will suffer.

A few years ago I created Classical PopUps as a small events venture, creating interesting programmes, line-ups and reaching out to less established venues to create not only platforms for musicians but access for wider audiences. I have done and paid for everything myself from the very start - created my own website, set up partnerships with venues and other organisations and provided musicians for some really exciting projects. We have worked with Classic FM, Mazda, Battersea Dogs Home, Great Western Railway, St James's Market, Pop Up Painting and dozens of venues throughout London and the UK.

Classical PopUps brings incredible professional musicians together from major orchestras, West End shows and a huge pool of talented freelancers, along with collaborative artists, such as poets, painters and dancers. We create events that are accessible and community enhancing. The music we play covers a huge spectrum of genres, including classical, contemporary, film, jazz and brand new arrangements. Our repertoire is extremely varied and you'll often see us featuring line-ups such as Classical String Trio, Trumpet, Trombone and bongos! We mix everything up in our performances and create brand new arrangements of popular music across several genres.

My vision: I would love to continue offering beneficial events in several exciting venues, such as bandstands, parks, gardens, churches, car parks, deserted shops, and established venues - there are so many options. Anywhere that we allowed to perform, we would love to do so! This would bring culture to communities but also provide much needed performance opportunity and support to artists. I have support and enthusiasm from many South London locations and would love to venture further afield as well! The concept of pop-up events is, more than ever, a popular way to dip your toe into something that is new - a little taster session of live music in this instance. Without financial support events like this will no longer exist.

I have, since March2020, created opportunities and connections at Holy Trinity Church SE20, with Bromley Living Well, as well as at Beckenham Place Park, Stanley Halls and Crystal Palace. I would love to be able to contribute further and build on these new relationships.

I aim to pay all of my artists a set rate, which is sometimes lower than any sort of ‘normal’ fee but a highly valued income nonetheless. Many of my colleagues did not qualify for financial aid from government schemes and have been struggling to survive. It would be an incredible situation to be in to alleviate even a little of the stress experienced at this time. It breaks my heart to hear of fantastic musicians considering leaving the profession.

Classical PopUps normally functions, relying on ticket sales and on collaborations with venues and partners, providing the necessary backbone of finances which enable payment to musicians. None of this has been guaranteed for over a year, especially with restrictions constantly in place at venues.

Professional musicians deserve to be paid for public performance and their talents respected. My aim is to play a small part in making this happen.

Please help - Give a little to help a lot. Please visit Classical PopUps for more information. Your support is valued and appreciated.