Survey opened ahead of free comedy industry session

Industry body Craft has opened a survey about what questions comedians and producers might have about applying for Arts Council England funding.

The move comes ahead of the funding body hosting a comedy-specific live-streamed advice session event on May 28.

That session is free to anyone who registers here – with those planning to attend advised to read the  application guidance here beforehand.

Its aims are to increase the comedy industry’s knowledge of the existing Arts Council grants programme and help potential applicants better understand the process – not to discuss changes to how  the body works or runs its business or to make points about the comedy sector’s campaign to have the art form recognised.

Craft’s survey – which is here – aims to help set the direction of the advice session.

Meanwhile, the House of Commons' women and equalities committee is still seeking evidence about the experiences of women working in comedy – especially concerning sexual harassment, pay inequality and the difficulties of building a career as a freelancer.

Written submissions are being sought following evidence sessions heard how creeps and misogynists are still driving women from comedy; a call from Craft’s Lu Jackson for government licensing of comedy promoters; and how women felt marginalised, undervalued and harassed on the circuit. 

Written submissions can be logged through the inquiry website by June 1. 

Published: 6 May 2026