In a Time of Need: Resources for Artists Struggling Through the Impacts of COVID-19
SOPHIE BLUE, INTERNET MARKETING INTERN AT MORE CANVAS
Leaving many artists lacking in mental and financial support, COVID-19 continues to impact the performing arts sector. Some artists have transitioned to virtual performances or discovered other work alternatives, but many remain questioning how to survive the day-to-day, unknowing of what their futures hold.
It is important to the team at More Canvas to continue shining a light on resources that are currently offered during these difficult times - many of which are gearing up for new rounds of funding in 2021.
Through COVID-19 has left myriad difficulties in its wake, in some ways it has also brought out the best in humanity. Thanks to the generosity of many donors, several foundations have been established to help those in the arts industry. The Actors Fund is offering an Entertainment Assistance Program, in which artists are provided with counseling, seminars, support regarding health services, and emergency financial assistance.
Other foundations are supplying grant money, ranging from $500-$3,000, with only a few requirements. These foundations include but are not limited to:
The Musicians Foundation (COVID-19 Emergency Relief Aid Grant): “Provides voluntary aid and assistance to professional musicians and their families in case of need.”
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Must be a professional musician with 5 or more years of experience, file taxes as a musician, and have the following documentation.
MusiCares: “Established to assist those in the music community who have been affected by the pandemic.”
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 5 or more years of employment in the music industry, and 6 commercially-released recordings or videos.
NYSCA-A.R.T: “Provides grants to small professional theaters with budgets under $500,000 working in New York State.”
Deadline: February 22, 2021, at 5 pm
Eligibility: Must be based out of NY, expenses for theatre totaling $500,000 or less, and must be a professional theatre company.
Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant: “Provides financial resources for visual artists to create new work, acquire supplies, rent studio space, prepare for exhibitions, attend a residency and offset living expenses.”
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: “Artists must be actively exhibiting their current work in professional artistic venues, such as gallery and museum spaces.”
Artists are encouraged to apply to the foundations they are eligible for as a first step in reaching out for support. If funding rounds are closed, follow up to confirm when a new round opens and continue checking back with the organization, as funding goes quickly. Additionally, organizations might be able to prioritize artists who missed that round of funding for the next.
Other Emergency Aid Resources can be found here:
https://www.artistsfellowship.org/emergency-aid-resources
https://www.artistrelief.org *Soon accepting another round of applications.
Check out our previous funding resources blog here, and our insights on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program here.