Friday, March 29, 2024

ARTIST RELIEF FUND

COVID-19 Artist Relief Fund Established for Rhode Island

Grants of up to $1,000 available to artists who have lost income due to the health crisis

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), in cooperation with the Rhode Island Foundation and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, is launching a fund to help Rhode Island artists who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Artist Relief Fund will provide grants of up to $1,000 to artists who are in financial distress as a result of the health crisis. Guidelines and the application are posted at https://risca.online/grants/artistrelieffund/ . Applications can be submitted at any time and awards will be made on a weekly basis until funds are exhausted.

Initial contributions to the fund are approximately $100,000, with more expected to follow.  Donations to the Artist Relief Fund can be made at https://www.artistcommunities.org/arf . The Fund will be managed by the Alliance of Artists Communities in Providence.

This crisis has significantly affected individual artists, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck. The declared State of Emergency and orders from the Governor to stem the spread of the pandemic have affected the ability of the arts community, and particularly individual artists, to perform, teach, make and sell a wide variety of art during the period when all Rhode Islanders are ordered to stay at home and avoid crowds.

 

“I’m incredibly grateful for this effort and for all who have stepped up to support Rhode Island’s vibrant arts community during this difficult time,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “The arts are integral to our state’s cultural identity and make up a critical sector of our economy. This is just one way Rhode Islanders can help our state through this crisis.”

“Individual artists tend not to be covered under the standard safety net programs available to others, and they are having trouble paying rent, feeding themselves and their family and paying for basic necessities as their work is canceled over the next few weeks or months,” said Neil D. Steinberg, President and CEO of the Foundation.

“In spite of unprecedented challenges, our creative community continues to inspire us daily,“ said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Art and design are the heart and soul of the Creative Capital, and I’m proud to collaborate with local and state partners to offer much needed relief for artists and community partners who power the creative economy.”

Artists interested in this funding opportunity should reach out to Mollie Flanagan, Individual Artists Program Director at the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, at Mollie.Flanagan@arts.ri.gov.

About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts 

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. Visit www.arts.ri.gov for more information. 

About The Rhode Island Foundation 

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $47 million and awarded a record $56 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2019. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. 

About the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism 

The Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism (ACT) ensures the continued development of a vibrant and creative city by integrating arts and culture into community life while showcasing Providence as an international cultural destination.

About the Alliance of Artists Communities

The Alliance of Artists Communities is the international association serving artist residencies as well as artist-centered organizations and initiatives. The Alliance has more than 400 members in 50 U.S. states and 24 countries, and works on behalf of more than 1,500 residency programs worldwide. The Alliance fulfills its mission to advocate for and support artist residencies and artists through its core programs, which include: professional development convenings, grantmaking partnerships, consulting services, research, and advocacy.