Resources to Support Artists, Musicians and Creatives During COVID-19 Pandemic
Many of us in our homes as a result of COVID-19 are enjoying online concerts and performances by artists and musicians from around the world. These performances are a wonderful escape from the stress created by social distancing. However, artists and other creatives are also experiencing stress because many have had their livelihoods heavily impacted by the coronavirus. The following is a brief list of resources for the creative community we have been able to identify. Each program is unique and interested applicants should read requirements for each program to determine eligibility.
The Soze Foundation is providing the Artist + Activist Relief Fund. The fund will support artists and activists whose work has been impacted by COVID-19. Grants of $250 will be awarded on an ongoing basis.
The Artist Relief program is an initiative that provides immediate, unrestricted emergency funding of $5,000 for individual artists throughout the United States, of all disciplines, and resources to help those in need due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A similarly named fund, The Artist Relief Project will support artists in any discipline who have been directly impacted by event cancellations and venue closures due to COVID19-related health concerns. Relief will be provided to artists in the immediate short term in the form of an emergency stipend, and in the longer term in the form of programs, resources, and support for alternative, sustainable marketing opportunities. Anyone pursuing the arts as a career (any discipline, any level of experience) is eligible to apply.
The Freelancers Union has created the Freelancers Relief Fund which offers financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household in the U.S. to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs, including food or food supplies, utility payments, and cash assistance to cover income loss. Applications opened on April 2, 2020.
To help address the concerns of the music industry during this time, MusicCares has expanded their services to include lost income due to the cancellation of scheduled gigs or performances due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 precautionary measures. Music industry professionals may apply for basic living assistance (rent or mortgage).
The Actors Fund is administering a relief program for American Guild of Musical Artists Union Members.
Arts Administrators of Color Network has set up the Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund to support of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists and administrators (consultants, facilitators, box office staff, seasonal/temporary employees, etc.) who have been financially impacted due to COVID-19.
CERF+ has a relief fund set up for craft artists who contract COVID-19.
The Sweet Relief Musician’s Fund: COVID-19 Fund supports musicians and music industry workers affected by the Coronavirus. Funds raised will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses to those impacted due to sickness or loss of work. Except for retired or semi-retired older (ages 55+) musicians or industry workers, the applicant must have, or recently have had, a serious medical condition.
The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation: COVID-19 Emergency Grant This grant aims to assist individuals who work in theatrical exhibition. In order to be eligible, individuals must have worked in theatrical exhibition for a minimum of five years, derive their primary source of income from the movie theater circuit, and have been furloughed or laid off due to COVID-19.
Other geographically limited funds are described on the I Care If You Listen web page.