FEMA Seeks Feedback from Artists in the Field

Provide your voice on important policy changes

ACA Staff

May 30, 2024

Advocacy Alert, house in rubble after storm

Dear ACA Network,

After years of collaborative work and preparation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched 2024 as its “Year of Resilience.” This brings good news for artists recovering from natural disasters.

"Changes include Simplifying Assistance for Entrepreneurs so entrepreneurs, gig workers and other self-employed individuals can more easily reopen their businesses after a disaster. Previously, FEMA required self-employed individuals to apply for an SBA disaster loan to cover all business losses. As a part of the new regulations, FEMA may provide self-employed survivors with some initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment, or other items required for a specific trade or profession.”

-Mollie Quinlan-Hayes, Fund Development and Program Officer, National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER)

We celebrate the efforts that have gone into the research, field work, and lived experience in the wake of disasters that have informed these changing policies. FEMA is offering the opportunity to provide feedback as they finalize the regulations and their implementation to ensure artists and creatives receive the federal assistance they're entitled to should disaster strike. The Agency is offering a free event that will explore these and other policies in greater detail.

Risk Communications, Crisis Communications, and Community Engagement Summit

Jun 10, 2024 9am EDT - 5:15pm EDT

Washington DC + Virtual

Register

The ACA team has gathered some useful resources and information for working artists to familiarize themselves with the new policies. Please take a few minutes to add your voice for the betterment of the field! Feedback is open until July 22nd.

In Community,

The ACA Team