It’s no secret the independent creative community has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic fallout. Independent Artists like myself and my peers have been hit by a figurative freight train. Near term and long term jobs cancelled, outstanding invoices left unpaid, and no clear sign of whether we will ever be eligible for our state’s unemployment benefits have unleashed havoc on our lives. And since corporate budget cuts have been needed to stem the tide, even when the shutdown is over, it’s hard to see independent artists’ work returning to the levels it was at soon thereafter.
So, us independent artists need all the help we can get. I recently published a list of ‘9 Ways to Support Independent Creatives During Hard Times.’ I was blown away by the positive reaction that the article received and loved hearing from other creatives and fans of creatives about how the ideas helped them in these challenging times.
While these ideas do help us independent creatives in a multitude of ways, there is no denying that many artists need cold hard cash as soon as possible. Rent, groceries, bills and money to care for dependents are just a few of the needs that small business owners/artists need an influx of cash for. As stated above, most of us are getting nowhere with unemployment benefits…and forget about those Small Business Association loans. They went to struggling ‘small businesses’ like Ruth Chris’ Steak House, Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Shake Shack. After strong backlash, Shake Shack decided to return their $10 million dollar loan, although the reason why they needed the loan so badly when they have $112 million in Cash on Hand and had a plan to generate $75 million through stock sales is still a question racing through everyone’s minds.
So where do ACTUAL struggling small business owner artists get relief? While not guaranteed, Artist Relief, seems like a decent shot.
The organization’s About Page gives a good overview of how the organization came about and what their ultimate mission is.
Artist Relief is an initiative organized by the Academy of American Poets, Artadia, Creative Capital, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, MAP Fund, National YoungArts Foundation, and United States Artists—all small to mid-sized national arts grantmakers—that have come together in this unprecedented moment guided by the understanding that the wellbeing of artists has financial, professional, social, and mental dimensions, and should be fostered with a holistic framework of support.
As such, Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts,to better identify and address the needs of artists moving forward.
Finally, a seemingly sensible and helpful short term resource for artists who are in the most dire need. Although, that phrase may need to be repeated. The grant system has been set up to assist artists of all type who are in DIRE financial need. The organization stresses this point over and over again on its website, so please really consider your situation at the moment before applying. If you have other lifelines available, please be courteous of your fellow artists who are in dire financial stress and who may need this grant more than you do. Better yet, if you have a couple extra dollars to spare to help your fellow artist community, you can also donate to the fund. Or, maybe even both. A small donation of just $5 or $10 of what you can afford now while applying for the larger grant that will help with your bigger financial dilemma.
The submission process is easy and straightforward. Simply answer a manageable number of multiple choice questions and submit two short essays of 300 words or less about your artistic business and why you are in dire need of a $5,000 grant.
Of course, there is some some requirements for eligibility.
- Practicing artists able to demonstrate a sustained commitment to their work, careers, and a public audience;
- Experiencing dire financial emergencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
- 21 years of age or older;
- Provide a W9 and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)—we will collect this information after you’ve been notified of your selection;
- Residing and working in the U.S. for the last two years;
- Not a full-time employee, board member, director, officer, or immediate family member of any of the coalition partners;
- Not previously awarded a relief grant from this fund.
The fund will run in five cycles, the first ending on April 23rd.
Cycle I: April 8 – April 23 (closes 11:59pm ET)
Cycle II: April 24 – May 21 (closes 11:59pm ET)
Cycle III: May 22 – June 18 (closes 11:59pm ET)
Cycle IV: June 19 – July 23 (closes 11:59pm ET)
Cycle V: July 24 – August 20 (closes 11:59pm ET)
When applying, please refer to the breakdown of eligible artistic disciplines on the Fund’s FAQ page to see which one you fit into. Photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, musicians, dancers and actors are just some of the artists who are eligible for the available grants.
It should be stated that these are unprecedented times and the need from the artistic community is greater than the available grants, so, unfortunately, not every application will be rewarded. But, for those who are really struggling right now, it’s worth a shot.
And again, please really take an introspective look at your situation. If you are not in dire need of IMMEDIATE assistance, please support your fellow artists who are in much more dire situations and do not apply. If the mess that was the SBA loan program taught us anything, it’s that those who are in most desperate for the assistance were overlooked, which just increases an already massive wealth gap in this country. So please, help your fellow artistic community and be a part of the solution, and not a part of the problem.