In the event of an emergency, the Alliance can offer support for artists by connecting them with our diverse network of residency programs across the country. 

 

"I will remember the time in my life following hurricane Katrina when my spirit needed lifting the most. I will remember the time in my life when I woke up one morning at Headlands Center for the Arts smiling." 

         - Monique Moss, dancer and participant in Gulf Coast Artists Hurricane Relief Program

Community Resources for those affected by Hurricane Ida:

The Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) seeks to support artist residencies and artists as they navigate COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend the following resources:

AAC works with a network of committed partners - including CERF+ and the Rauschenberg Foundation who have a long history of supporting artists in times of emergency and providing vital leadership to the arts community in addressing the needs of artists. We recommend the following general emergency grant resources:

In addition, the following opportunities have open calls:

  • Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants provide one-time grants of up to $5,000 to professional dancers in need across the country, who have a dire financial emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is administered by New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and funded by Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. Applications due January 7, 2022.
  • The Arts Midwest GIG (Grow, Invest, Gather) Fund is designed to provide support to Midwestern arts organizations as they re-build and re-imagine during the continued uncertainty caused by COVID-19.Grants of $2,500 will support costs associated with engaging artists in community experiences as safely as possible given the current circumstances of the pandemic. Applications due October 5, 2021.
  • NEW: The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) is a federal program that was created to help renters cover housing costs and stay in stable housing during the coronavirus pandemic. Money can be used to cover back rent and future rent, utilities, and other housing costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing.
  • CERF+ the Artists Safety Net — The COVID-19 Relief Grant provides $1,000 to artists working in craft disciplines who are facing dire circumstances due to food, housing, and/or medical insecurities as a result of the ongoing pandemic. In the first three cycles of the program, we awarded 892 grants to artists in 48 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia. Currently the program is closed, please sign-up for the ‘Get Updates’ section at the bottom of their homepage to find out the latest information on all of our programs.
  • Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants provide up to $5,000 for unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies. Grants are available to visual and media artists and choreographers currently residing in the United States or U.S. territories who have limited resources. The Cycle 7 applications close on October 4, for emergencies occurring January 1, 2021 or later.
  • Arts Administrators of Color has launched the Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists and arts administrators impacted by COVID-19 through $200 microgrants. Application ongoing.
  • Propeller IMPACT Fund 2020 is open to Illinois-based artists and arts groups with a practice grounded in the visual arts. The fund provides unrestricted, one-time grants of $500. Applications open October 26 at 9am, CDT and closes October 29 at 5pm.
  • Artist Relief is an initiative launched by leading grantmakers that includes immediate, unrestricted emergency funding of $5,000 for individual artists of all disciplines. Open to individual artists, 21 years or older who are able to receive taxable income in the U.S. Cycle II. Applications are currently closed.  
  • Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to painters, printmakers, and sculptors facing an unforeseen, catastrophic incident. Funds are given to cover costs of specific emergencies, such as fire, flood, or medical needs. Application ongoing.
  • Critical Minded is a granting and learning initiative to support cultural critics of color in the US. They are now accepting applications for need-based, unrestricted relief grants of $500 to cultural critics in the US and US territories from underrepresented Communities. Application closed.
  • Amani: Africa Creative Defence Network is a new coalition providing rapid responses to creatives at risk in Africa and bolstering regional safe havens in Africa. If you or someone you know is an artist at risk in Africa, connect with the network by filling out their secure webform (available in English and French.)
  • Artist + Activist Relief Fund created by The Soze Foundation, TaskForce and Invisible Hand, supports artists + activists whose work has been impacted by COVID-19. As of April 1, The Fund has distributed $90,000 to 274 artists + activists. Currently closed.
  • The Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund will assist musicians whose gigs and events were canceled due to COVID-19. There will be delay in the distribution of funds, given the overwhelming requests for assistance.
  • Freelancers Union / Freelancers Relief Fund offers financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs, including food/food supplies; utility payments; cash assistance to cover income loss. Currently closed.
  • NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund provides support for low-income, BIPOC, trans/GNC/NB/Queer artists and freelancers whose livelihoods are being affected by this pandemic in NYC. Click here also if you'd like to donate to the fund. (Paused)
  • Freelancer COVID-19 Emergency Fund is designed for freelancers affected by COVID-19 and its impact (school closures, client cancellations, medical expenses, inability to pay basic living expenses). They stress that applicants ask for what they need right now—not in the long-term—and to try and pay it forward by eventually contributing back to the fund or another charity supporting freelancers. Applications are on a rolling basis; donations needed.

Emergency Funds for Individual Artists Participating in Residencies

** This grant is currently closed as all funds have been exhausted. We recommend the emergency resources above. **

The Artist Communities Alliance, with funding from The Joan Mitchell Foundation and continued with support from the Golden Foundation, established an emergency fund in support of artists facing an unforeseen emergency or triggering event to participate in artists’ residencies. The fund disburses mini-grants to artists who have already been accepted and scheduled for a residency, but who would not otherwise be able to participate due to a sudden change in circumstances.

Emergency grants of up to $1,000 are available for eligible artists. In order to be eligible for emergency assistance an applicant must:

  • Have been accepted and scheduled to participate in a residency program that is an Organizational Member of the Artist Communities Alliance 
  • Have experienced a recent, unforeseen emergency or triggering event that would otherwise prohibit his/her participation in the planned residency
  • Be a legal U.S. resident

How to apply for funds

  1. The residency program makes initial contact with the Artist Communities Alliance, on behalf of the artist
  2. The Alliance will then invite the artist to apply directly to the Alliance for funds
  3. Grants will be disbursed directly to the artist.

Emergency funds are not intended to replace scholarships, grants, or other subsidies for a residency for which an artist would otherwise be eligible.

We also encourage artists in need of funding to consult the "Fees, Stipends, and Funding" page of our website and to reach out to their state's arts council.

For more information, please contact the Artist Communities Alliance at info [at] artistcommunities.org.