Dance

Mutual Aid Project to Support Independent Artists in Response to COVID-19

Mutual aid is the voluntary exchange of services and resources for mutual benefit. With music shows and other events being cancelled at a large scale as a response to COVID-19, we understand the astounding affect this has on the livelihood of independent artists – from musicians and DJs to graphic designers and photographers. Combating COVID-19 requires a cross community and collective effort. This form’s purpose is to collect information and build a directory of independent artists (YOU) to showcase your work. We will then put out a call to action to the larger community to support your work during this time of unstable employment/limited opportunities.

Maryland State Arts Council Emergency Grant

In response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has created special grant opportunities that provide emergency funding to arts organizations and artists in Maryland as they adjust to losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled. Full guidelines and rubrics are available here.

Mayer Foundation Economic Relief Grants

To make economic relief grants to needy individuals who are distressed or suffering as a result of poverty, low income or lack of financial resources, including as a result of natural or civil disasters, or from temporary impoverishment, loss of employment, death or incapacity of a family wage earner or damage to home and property; to provide health care to those who cannot afford health care or whose health insurance or financial resources are insufficient to cover medical needs.

Lost My Gig NY

The events industry in NYC, which is largely fueled by freelancers, has experienced a sudden, massive financial fallout due to the current Coronavirus crisis. With bans on public gatherings and venues closed citywide, the countless independent contractors in NYC whose livelihoods rely on events have undergone the most immediate and crippling impact due to the sweeping cancellations. This site keeps a running list of NYC freelancers working in the events industry who are in need of financial assistance due to the crisis, allowing people to donate directly to those individuals through their Venmo, CashApp and Paypal accounts.

Indy Arts & Culture COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

The Indy Arts & Culture COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund was created for individuals working in the arts sector and impacted by the current public health crisis. Primary concern is for the health and well being of individuals: specifically independent artists and staff working for small-to-midsize nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. This fund will provide rapid response $500 grants to help bridge the severe lost wages that make many in our creative community vulnerable.

ILYSM Collective grant

We will be giving a weekly $500 grant to an artist with financial need whose main source of income has been affected by COVID-19 shutdowns. We are committing to offering this grant through the week of 5/14 and for as long as we are able to after that.

Essex County Artist Fund

We invite Essex County artists and creative producers who have experienced losses due to the COVID-19 crisis to join our growing Creative County Initiative network through this new program fund. While our financial support is a drop in a very large bucket of need across our county, we view this as a time to connect with you and amplify your work and visibility as an artist.

Entertainment Industry Relief Fund

For those in the entertainment industry impacted by COVID-19. Our goal is to get funds to applicants who meet the criteria as soon as possible. If you applied and haven’t received a response, please be patient.