Migrant Artist
Fund
Why?
Because we live in a world full of borders (both physical, invented, internalised or otherwise), there is a real cost to living, working and creating in the UK - especially for those who have immigrated to the country from somewhere else.
Whilst I continue opposing the hostile environment and fight for an equitable cultural sector for all in my practices, I wanted to do something tangible to ease this burden for migrant artists like myself. This humble fund/lottery is my response to the crippling cost of visas, applications, passports and other procedures people have to go through to secure their stay in the country. It is not much and it is not perfect but I hope it goes a little way towards making it a bit easier to live where you want to be and do what you do best.
I really hope others will join me in donating to the pot.
To read more about the hostile environment, its impact on the cultural sector or the lives of migrant artists and what you can do in solidarity visit: http://migrantsinculture.com/ and
https://migrantsintheatre.co.uk/
What is it?
The Becoming British Lottery recognises the financial burden of migrant artists to make work in the UK. The lottery is specifically to cover the costs of visas/citizenship paperwork for working in the UK.
It is a random draw of multiples of £200
It is non taxable as it is a random prize, not a competition and is not ‘talent based’.
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It is re-opening for a one off in 2025.
To be eligible you must:
Work or have worked in the arts industry (the widest definition is applicable here as we are aware individuals define their practice in a number of ways)
Have costs relating to a Visa / Citizenship application within the UK
Please note the payment will be made in GBP and so you will need to be able to receive funds this way.
If you cannot receive funds in GBP due to your status we are able to pay the £200 directly towards a cost related to citizenship/settlement (e.g. Lawyer) You will need to inform us of this on receipt of winning, not before.
How to apply
Submit your information via an online form: https://forms.gle/CDF1oc4N5KYguGLb9
Please only do so once - multiple submissions will be disqualified.
You will be notified by email whether you have been successful or not within 2 days of the draw deadline.
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Selection of winners
Applications shall be checked for eligibility ahead of the draw. The draw shall use random selection software https://www.random.org/lists/ to name the winner of the lottery. Your application shall be numbered and it is this number that shall be entered so no personal data will be shared with the third party.
Please note this application is purely for visa/citizenship/costs associated with being a migrant & working in the UK, not any costs towards artwork or making. These costs must be personal to you.
How to support
We are looking for a series of benefactors to support this lottery. If you are interested in sponsoring a lottery slot by name please email producer@lorakrasteva.com , If you would like to donate on a one off basis to the scheme please do so here (£10 or multiples of), here (£15 or multiples of) or here (£25 or multiples of). If you'd like to support on an ongoing basis please contact me here
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Key dates
Fri 14 March 2025 Lottery opens
Mon 24 March 2025 5pm Draw 6 closes
Wed 26 March 2025 Draw 6 conducted
Fri 28 March 2025 Draw 5 payment made
Previous draw dates
2024
Fri 08 March 2024 Lottery opens
Wed 27 March 2024 5pm Draw 5 closes
Thurs 28 March 2024 Draw 5 conducted
Fri 05 April 2024 Draw 5 payment made
2021 & 2022
18 November 2021 lottery opens
23 Jan 2022 5pm Draw 1 closes
24 Jan 2022 Draw 1 conducted
31 Jan 2022 Draw 1 payments made
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01 Feb lottery reopens
24 April 5pm Draw 2 closes
25 April Draw 2 conducted
03 May Draw 2 payments made
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04 May Draw 3 opens
24 July 5pm Draw 3 closes
26 July Draw 3 conducted
02 Aug Draw 3 payments made
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03 Aug Draw 4 opens
24 Oct 5pm Draw 4 closes
25 Oct Draw 4 Conducted
31 Oct Draw 4 payments made