Art Observed would like to share some information about resources available for artists during the ongoing Covid-19 situation. There are many organizations that, in the wake of galleries, exhibitions and museums closing, are providing resources for artists to continue their work. In addition, of the $2 trillion in economic stimulus provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, up to $300 million is earmarked for the arts, including funds specifically for artists, cultural organizations, museums, libraries, and other groups, administered by various federal agencies.
While Covid-19 is impacting everyone’s lives in a way that is unprecedented, it is perhaps causing many to appreciate the arts more than before. People may be more inclined to purchase pieces for their homes, and there has been demand for online, virtual art shows and talks – art that is uplifting and that is accessible. Coming out of this, Art Observed hopes and expects the art world to re-emerge with renewed vigor. Until then, Art Observed hopes the below resources will be helpful.
- Awarding $250,000 in grants (up to $2,500 per artist) visual artists over 40 that identify as women
- $250-750 grants to artists and activists whose work has been affected administered by The Soze Foundation, TaskForce and Invisible Hand
- Note – the fund is no longer accepting new applications but has a waitlist and is fundraising to provide funding to a greater number of people
- $500 grants to artists based in the Bay Area that are POC, women or that identify at LGBTQIA+
- A coalition of national arts organizations providing $5,000 grants to artists that are facing financial emergencies due to Covid-19
- Rapid response grants to artists in Washington State whose livelihoods have been impacted by Covid-19
- Twenty Summers is raising funds for those in the art world that have been impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as providing ways for artists promote their work without in-person events
- List of resources including grants and information
- Dietl International has created an online platform to display the works of and give direct access to purchase from the studios of art technicians (many of who are themselves artists and facing unemployment due to Covid-19 related cancellations)
- Foundation for Contemporary Arts is providing relief grants to artists that have lost income because of canceled exhibitions or performances
- Online marketplace for artists to list services for sale remotely, created specifically in light of the Cover-19 disruptions
- National Endowment for the Arts is administering $75 million in grants as part of the CARES Act to non-profit arts organizations to save jobs in the art sector
- Extensive list of resources for artists in New York and elsewhere
- Relief fund for Miami-based artists that have lost income due to cancellations related to Covid-19
- Theater Bay Area has launched a program for San Francisco Bay Area performing arts workers that have experiences lost income because of cancelled performances, loss of performing arts works or loss of supplemental income or jobs
- ConvertKit is providing financial assistance of up to $500 to creators that have been impacted by Covid-19
- A $250,000 fund launched by Format to provide support of up to $500 to photographers affected by Covid-19
- A $1.5 million emergency relief fund for individuals and organizations to mitigate Covid-19 related financial losses
- Individuals in the arts may apply for grants up to $2,000 and arts organizations are eligible for operating grants of up to $25,000
- Grants of $1,000-2,000 to US-based artists of South Asian descent provided by The India Center
- A partnership between The Art Report, Facebook and Untitled, Art to provide financial relief to freelance, hourly, and wage working artists that have lived in the Bay Area for 2 years as a working artist or that have graduated from a Bay Area art school
