Artist Response Fund 

As a trusted intermediary and resource for artists, residency staff, leadership and board members, Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) is committed to fostering inclusive, just, joyful, and accessible environments where artists and staff can thrive.

Through ongoing conversations with artists about their residency experiences, ACA has documented a broad spectrum of outcomes. While residencies are often restorative and generative, there are times when artists face harm or threats to their safety and must leave before completing their term. In such cases, artists are often far from home, without access to alternate housing, and with limited or expensive transportation options.

The Artist Response Fund was created to ensure that artists have a financial pathway to safely leave a residency experience when their safety or well-being is at risk. It also offers residency organizations a concrete resource for supporting artists in crisis.

Who is eligible: 

Artists are eligible for emergency relief funding if they meet all of the following criteria: 

• Are currently in residence at an ACA member residency program [ see list here ] or have been in-residence (in the past 12 months.
• Have experienced a threat to their safety or mental health due to an incident or situation during the residency. This includes, but is not limited to, physical or verbal assault, racism, transphobia, ableism, sexism, harassment, bullying, or other forms of systemic harm. It may also include inaccessible or unsafe living conditions.
• Have attempted to remediate the situation but were unable to find a reasonable accommodation. 

What is available:

These funds offer up to $1,500 to support artists in crisis situations and can be used for relocation expenses, including transportation costs to return home from the residency site, temporary lodging, supplies or basic needs, and costs of rent upon  returning. This funding can also be used to reimburse the artist for funds expended as a result of the situation. 

How to apply:

Applications can be submitted via this form. We’ve worked to streamline the process, and ACA staff may follow up if clarifications are needed. We also welcome setting up a call if you would like to speak directly with ACA staff regarding your situation.

You will be asked to provide:

• Proof of residency at an ACA member program - You must be currently in residence or have attended a residency at an ACA member organization within the last twelve months.[ add link here ] Documentation could include a signed contract with residency dates, an emailed invitation from the residency (with dates listed), etc.
• Documentation of the incident and your efforts to address it - This award is meant as a safety net when other previous attempts at mediation have not worked. Evidence showing escalation and attempts to mediate the situation may include police reports, restraining orders, text messages or verbal records. We understand that not all experiences can be fully documented.
• Explanation of how funds will be used - For example, receipts for transportation, lodging, or other costs incurred as a result of leaving the residency early.

Start your funding request:

Your request can be submitted through this form. 

Applications are reviewed with care and confidentiality. In cases where we would like to discuss issues identified through the report with a residency, you will be asked for permission to bring up issues with the program and what level of detail you are comfortable with. 

Once your application is processed you will hear from us within one week, often sooner. 

Funds are distributed via Bill.com through accounts set up by grantees. Funds can be sent as a check or direct deposit. Income from the fund is taxable. ACA will provide grantees with a 1099. 

If you have any questions, please contact Flannery Patton at fpatton (at) artistcommunities.org with the subject line: ARF.