This week I want to focus again on emergency funding as this protracted crisis continues to spiral. There are many organizations out there coming to the aid of artists who have lost exhibitions, work and other opportunities because of the COVID19 pandemic. Below are a few organizations to investigate if you or someone in the art world close to you is struggling right now.
Artist Relief Project seeks to support artists, musicians and performers who depend on face-to-face interaction for their livelihood. Many have lost significant work during the pandemic and this fund offers financial assistance to those who can demonstrate that they are a working artist who has been impacted by the present circumstances. To date, the fund has distributed over $33,000. For more information, visit the website. There is no deadline for application.
Craft Futures Fund directs resources to those working in craft-based education programs. The program runs until October, distributing one time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 for a total of $30,000/month. Check the website for more information. This is a time-restricted fund.
CERF+ is an organization that offers a safety net to artists in order to support strong and sustainable careers. Right now they have a COVID specific emergency fund for artists who are facing dire circumstances due to the pandemic. This special emergency program provides one-time grants of $1,000 to meet urgent housing, food and health related costs. There are two rounds of applications. The first is in progress now with a deadline of July 29 and the second opens on August 19 and runs through September 9. For full details, visit the website.
Praxis Center is a resource for artists throughout every stage of their careers. We know and respect that building a livelihood in the arts is a daunting and often fragile practice. That’s why we offer real world resources to help navigate real world circumstances. In addition to our online courses covering many aspects of the business of being an artist, our online community is where students find a network of colleagues and experts to help them refine the toolkit they need to take their careers to the next level. We now offer regular online round table discussions with art world insiders covering a wide range of topics. Join today and have all this at your fingertips.
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In these uncertain times, our first responsibility is assuring staff, their families and our entire art community is safe. We hope to turn the page on this devastating virus and return to normalcy soon. In the meantime, we continue sharing educational resources and have developed new Facebook Live events, providing an informal and intimate opportunity to meet artists and engage in topics we all love. Follow the GOLDEN Facebook page to join!
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics. He has written six books for artists; Making it in the Art World, New Markets for Artists, The Art World Demystified, Fund Your Dreams Like a Creative Genius, Sell Online Like a Creative Genius and Succeed with Social Media Like a Creative Genius.
Photo credit: Craft Futures Fund