List of Artist Resources in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
The LGBTQ+ community is not unfamiliar with times where our resilience has been tested. And unfortunately, during times of global crisis, it is our community, along with other marginalized groups, that are disproportionately affected. As we all navigate health and safety concerns, Queer|Art understand how this time can be additionally challenging for artists and arts professionals due to coronavirus related cancellations, changes, and closures drastically changing projected income and our ability to adequately plan for the future. As an organization supporting queer artists, we have always been concerned with adapting our models of support to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. Here is a list compiled from the web of resources, opportunities, and financial relief options for artists during our current circumstances.
We will continue to update this list over the following weeks. If you are aware of a resource we should add, please fill out this form.
PAGE LAST UPDATED ON 02/23/21
General COVID-19 Resources
NYC Vaccine Finder - All New York State residents over 16 are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Covid-19 Resources for Undocumented Immigrants
This aggregated spreadsheet of resources organized by Betancourt Macias Family Scholarship Foundation provides resources ranging from legal assistance to financial relief that caters to undocumented individuals.
The Fair Fares NYC program allows eligible New York City residents to receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares
Community Food Fridges Map Resource that maps out Community fridges across NYC, along with information on donations and getting connected to community members organizing the fridges.
MutualAid.NYC Resource Hub Directory of mutual aid efforts across NYC, also has a map that allows you to look at mutual aid efforts in your specific area.
This is an aggregated list of resources by the NYC Government for those affected by Covid-19 in need of help and those looking to volunteer.
Mayer Foundation The Mayer Foundation provides economic relief grants to needy individuals who are distressed or suffering as a result of poverty, low income or lack of financial resources, including as a result of natural or civil disasters, or from temporary impoverishment, loss of employment, death or incapacity of a family wage earner or damage to home and property.
Mental Health Resources
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color.
Free Mental Health Services for Dancers
Okay, Let’s Unpack This has compiled a list of therapists and counselors offering free mental health services to dancers and movement practitioners during the this time.
Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
The Samaritans Suicide Prevention Hotline - (212) 673-3000 provides confidential, community-based support 24 hours/7 days a week.
Mental Health Resources to Help Prevent Creative and Professional Burnout
Live Another Day - Hub for information on mental health and substance use resources for people of color.
Detox Local: AAPI Addiction and Mental Health Resources - List of mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community.
Housing & Legal
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA)
VLA provides legal services and webinars for artists and arts organizations.
The Trans Lifeline Microgrants program can help you change your legal name and update your government identification documents. If you aren’t cisgender, you are eligible and encouraged to apply.
A Know Your Rights Guide for Transgender People Navigating Covid-19
This is guide created by the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund for transgender and non-binary people who are grappling with questions related to employment, housing, health care, identification, and accessing assistance from government agencies among other issues.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | NYC Human Rights Administration HEAP helps eligible households meet the cost of heating their homes. The benefit can pay for fuel, your utility source, heating equipment replacement and repairs. The benefit is paid either directly to the heating vendor or utility company. Applications open from November 2, 2020 until August 31, 2021.
EMERGENCY FUNDING AND MUTUAL AID FOR ARTISTS
Creatives Rebuild New York Guaranteed Income for Artists - CRNY’s Guaranteed Income for Artists program will provide regular, no-strings-attached cash payments for 2,400 artists who have financial need. Each artist will receive $1,000 per month for 18 consecutive months. Applications Open Through March 25, 2022.
Creatives Rebuild New York Artists Employment Program - Creatives Rebuild New York’s (CRNY) Artist Employment Program (AEP) will fund employment for up to 300 artists, culture bearers, and culture makers (artists) in collaboration with dozens of community-based organizations across New York State for two years. Participating artists will receive a salary of $65,000 per year, plus benefits, with dedicated time to focus on their practice. Participating organizations will receive funds that range between $25,000 and $100,000 per year to support artists’ employment. Applications Open Through March 25, 2022.
A comprehensive list of emergency grants and resources compiled by the New York Foundation for the Arts. Last Updated: August 24, 2021.
Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19. This fund will remain open through September 2020. Applications currently closed.
This fund provides one time grants of $250-$750 to artist and activists affected by Covid-19. Applications are currently closed, but there is a waitlist available.
Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) has partnered with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to administer a new grant program called Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants. The program will initially provide one-time grants of up to $5,000 to professional dancers who have experienced dire financial emergencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including lack or imminent endangerment of essentials such as housing, medicine/healthcare, utilities, and food. It will award a total of $300,000 over the course of three award cycles that will run through Spring 2022. Cycle 2 Open March 1 through April 1, 2022
PERFORMANCE
Actor’s Fund Emergency Financial Assistance This relief fund is available for union and non-union actors.
VISUAL ARTS
Artists' Fellowship Financial Aid Program
The Artist Fellowship Financial Aid Program provides financial relief to professional artists who are dealing with immediate medical emergencies.
LITERATURE
PEN America will distribute grants of $500 to $1,000 to professional writers demonstrate an inability to meet an acute financial need, especially one resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Applications open, reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Authors League Fund Provides emergency financial relief to professional writers who are experiencing a medical emergency.
FILM
Motion Picture and Television Fund
Temporary emergency financial assistance is available to qualified industry members experiencing financial hardship due to illness, disability, unemployment, or other reasons. This assistance may cover expenses such as mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, car insurance premiums, car payments, and food. MPTF’s social workers can discuss your specific eligibility for assistance. Call 323-634-3888 for additional information.
Artwork by Alicia Eggert