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Scott Michael Smith

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:NEXT With Scott Michael Smith: The Innovative Producer/Mixer On Taking Risks, Steve Reich & More

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The L.A.-based producer/mixer talks about his journey from runner at the Village Studios to working on major albums, shows and films on :NEXT, the Recording Academy's new digital series on the future of the music industry
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Nov 4, 2019 - 11:57 am

You might not know his name, but he's behind some of your favorite records, TV shows and movies. Los Angeles-based producer/mixer Scott Michael Smith has turned his passion and talent for music into a booming studio career—but he hasn't done it alone. As part of GRAMMYNext, Smith's circle is full of both support and inspiration from the industry around him.

Producer/Mixer Scott Michael Smith Is :NEXT

Music grabbed Smith early in life. His parents raised him on a healthy dose of Beach Boys and the Beatles. Smith's career ascent began at the world-famous Village Studios in Los Angeles, where he started as a runner and worked his way through the ranks to become a staff engineer. 

Today, Smith's work can be heard all over. He is currently wrapping up work on Season 3 of "The Handmaid's Tale" and IT Chapter Two. His past credits include films such as The Revenant, Transformers: Age Of Extinction and music by John Mayer, Nelly, Carole King and many more. His versatility across medium and genre speaks to his appetite for innovation in the studio, an approach that has made him fearless and allowed him to turn mistakes into knowledge.

"I really like working with people that take risks and try to do something that's going to last, and something original," Smith said. "It's cliché, but this idea that you learn from your mistakes is absolutely true, especially in an industry as hard as ours. If you learn from it, you can bounce back from it, so I'm thankful for each [mistake] I've made."

Inspiration comes to Smith from so many sources, especially when bouncing from project to project, but he names Steve Reich's 1978 minimalist masterpiece Reich: Music For 18 Musicians, which won for Best Small Ensemble Performance (With or Without Conductor) at the 41st GRAMMY Awards, as a latest favorite over the past couple years.

"It's just kind of blowing my mind a little bit and shown me how you can make an album with super-high production value, but just do it with orchestral musicians, no tricks, nothing, just the way it's written and arranged," Smith said of the album. 

At this exciting time in his career, Smith credits the Recording Academy for building up his network and Village CEO Jeff Greenberg from initially recommending GRAMMY :NEXT to him.

"The best part about being a GRAMMYNexter has been the camaraderie and meeting the other people in the program," Smith said. "We all do different things. We're all in the same industry, but we come at it from different angles and that melting pot is really a nice thing to be a part of."

Smith's mentor is Mike Todd, AVP of Film/TV Music, who he credits with encouraging him to be social and build connections. "Mike's been amazing as far as giving me a perspective on our industry from a different angle, from a more writing-oriented side, from a business side, whereas, for me, I'd just be stuck in a studio," he said. "So he's been really great and introduced me to a lot of people, and we're still very close friends."

For more GRAMMY :NEXT, check out the premier episode with Alex Ritchie and stay tuned for more right here on GRAMMY.com. 

:NEXT With Alex Ritchie: The Musical Triple Threat On Her New EP, Drawing Inspiration From Imagine Dragons & More

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Hero The Band perform at the Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter Annual Membership Celebration
Photo: Marcus Ingram/WireImage

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Report: Music & Culture Infrastructure Can Create Better "Future Cities"

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How sound planning for a creative future in our urban areas makes all the difference for artists and musicians
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Oct 23, 2019 - 2:27 pm

The future, as they say, is now. And for music makers around the world, building a future for themselves often starts at home, in their local creative community and in the city where they live. While technology has expanded communication and made the world smaller, cities continue to grow, making planning for the future a critical cultural mission of the present.

To that end, a new report by global organization Sound Diplomacy titled "This Must Be The Place" examines, "The role of music and cultural infrastructure in creating better future cities for all of us." The 37-page deep dive into community planning and development highlights the importance of creative culture in what it calls "Future Cities."

"The government defines ‘Future Cities’ as 'a term used to imagine what cities themselves will be like," the report states, "how they will operate, what systems will orchestrate them and how they will relate to their stakeholders (citizens, governments, businesses, investors, and others),'"

According to the report, only three global cities or states currently have cultural infrastructure plans: London, Amsterdam and New South Wales. This fact may be surprising considering how city planning and sustainability have become part of the discussion on development of urban areas, where the UN estimates 68 percent of people will live by 2050.

"Our future places must look at music and culture ecologically. Much like the way a building is an ecosystem, so is a community of creators, makers, consumers and disseminators," the report says. "The manner in which we understand how to maintain a building is not translated to protecting, preserving and promoting music and culture in communities."

The comparison and interaction between the intangibility of culture and the presence of physical space is an ongoing theme throughout the report. For instance, one section of the report outlines how buildings can and should be designed to fit the cultural needs of the neighborhoods they populate, as too often, use of a commercial space is considered during the leasing process, not the construction process, leading to costly renovations.

"All future cities are creative cities. All future cities are music cities."

On the residential side, as cities grow denser, the need increases for thoughtful acoustic design and sufficient sound isolation. Future cities can and should be places where people congregate

"If we don’t design and build our future cities to facilitate and welcome music and experience, we lose what makes them worth living in."

For musicians and artists of all mediums, the answer to making—and keeping—their cities worth living in boils down to considering their needs, impact and value more carefully and sooner in the planning process.

"The report argues that property is no longer an asset business, but one built on facilitating platforms for congregation, community and cohesion," it says. "By using music and culture at the beginning of the development process and incorporating it across the value chain from bid to design, meanwhile to construction, activation to commercialisation, this thinking and practice will result in better places."

The report offers examples of how planners and leaders are handling this from around the world. For instance, the Mayor Of London Night Czar, who helps ensure safety and nighttime infrastructure for venues toward the Mayor's Vision for London as a 24-hour city. Stateside, Pittsburgh, Penn., also has a Night Mayor in place to support and inform the growth of its creative class.

Diversity, inclusion, health and well-being also factor into the reports comprehensive look at how music and culture are every bit as important as conventional business, ergonomic and environmental considerations in Future Cites. Using the Queensland Chamber of Arts and Culture as a reference, it declared, "A Chamber of Culture is as important as a Chamber of Commerce."

In the end, the report serves as a beacon of light for governments, organizations, businesses and individuals involved in planning and developing future cities. Its core principals lay out guideposts for building friendly places to music and culture and are backed with case studies and recommendations. But perhaps the key to this progress is in changing how we approach the use of space itself, as the answer to supporting music may be found in how we look at the spaces we inhabit.

"To develop better cities, towns and places, we must alter the way we think about development, and place music and culture alongside design, viability, construction and customer experience," it says. "Buildings must be treated as platforms, not assets. We must explore mixed‑use within mixed‑use, so a floor of a building, or a lesser‑value ground floor unit can have multiple solutions for multiple communities."

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Gold-Diggers in Los Angeles

Photo by Farah Sosa

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Capturing Los Angeles' COVID-Closed Venues

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With clubs closed until at least next year, photographer Farah Sosa spends her nights documenting L.A.'s shuttered venues—many of which may not reopen without federal support
Jessica Lipsky
Farah Sosa
GRAMMYs
Aug 5, 2020 - 1:33 pm

There has been shockingly little pit hospitality for the entertainment industry during the coronavirus pandemic. As live music venues around the country — D.I.Y., independent, corporate and mid-sized holdings – settle into the fifth month of closures, many are waiting with baited breath for the passage of federal funding packages that could be the difference between life or death for American music.

Over the past several weeks, Congress has introduced bills that would alleviate some financial burden for small businesses such as music venues, recording studios and self-employed creators. The bipartistan RESTART Act would establish a loan program for, and offer loan forgiveness to, music creators through the rest of 2020. On July 22, the Senate introduced the $10 billion Save Our Stages Act — a Small Business Administration grant program that would provide six months of support for independent live music venues, which could use funds to pay for capital expenses associated with social distancing, COVID-incurred costs, as well as regular operation.

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The Regent Theater in Downtown L.A. was originally a cinema built in 1914.
Photo by Farah Sosa

The proposed legislation is the result of months-long lobbying efforts from industry advocates like The Recording Academy and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), as well as musicians themselves, but must be voted into law before Congress goes into August recess. According to a press release from Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who co-introduced the Save Our Stages act, independent venues expect to lose $9 billion before 2021. In a letter to Congressional leadership, NIVA noted that the majority of its 800-plus members are in dire straits: "With zero revenue and the overwhelming overhead of rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes and insurance, 90% of independent venues report that if the shutdown lasts six months and there’s no federal assistance, they will never reopen again."

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Many iconic musicians — including Elton John and Joni Mitchell — got their start at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. "The last show I saw there was Café Tacuba and they were outstanding!" Sosa said.
Photo by Farah Sosa

In Southern California – the epicenter of pop music and an important incubator for up-and-coming artists as well as those in sprawling underground scenes — venues have been shut down since March and will be among the last businesses to reopen. Los Angeles is now a tableau of shuttered venues and hopeful marquees encouraging people to hang in – though no one knows for how long. Industry analysts are looking toward spring 2021 for the return of live music, though Lollapalooza co-founder Marc Geiger recently said he didn’t expect concerts or festivals to return until 2022. In the meantime, Los Angeles nightlife photographer Farah Sosa – who also co-founded popular global bass crew Subsuelo – has been documenting this hopefully temporary absence of industry.

"I am predominantly a music photographer and when the pandemic started, of course all the venues shut down. And as much as I wanted to try to document COVID moments, it just seemed unsafe," Sosa said. “Instead of shooting people with masks, I thought that I would start documenting things that mattered to me the most — the places where all the magic happened. I started looking for venues where I had documented music before. We do not know if these venues are going to survive, so I wanted to make sure that the history remained somewhere." Since May, Sosa has documented approximately 40 venues around Los Angeles, working on dark, empty and often eerie streets.

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The AEG-owned El Rey Theatre in L.A.'s Miracle Mile was the first Farah Sosa shot. "It was very shocking. Everything was dark — never in my life of living in Los Angeles had I seen that before."
Photo by Farah Sosa

Carl Lofgren owns three venues in L.A. – bar/nightclub La Cita, recording studio-hotel-bar Gold-Diggers and the nightclub El Dorado – all of which closed and furloughed employees. "We've shut everything down; we've minimized all of our expenses as best as we can. It's just a matter of us trying to make what little money we have stretch through until we can reopen," Lofgren said, adding that he is fortunate to own the buildings housing two of his businesses. "We felt that our needs and our businesses were pretty much being ignored [by the government]. When the protocols came out about how to reopen, they kind of just lumped us in with restaurants. So it's really difficult for us to get enthusiastic about reopening; we really need [legislators] to step it up, do what they do for other businesses and really come to our aid. I mean, look how much money they're willing to pump into the airline industry or the oil and gas industry."

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Gold-Diggers on Santa Monica Boulevard was previously a bikini bar before being reincarnated in 2018.
Photo by Farah Sosa

Even with federal funding from RESTART and Save Our Stages legislation, it’s possible that the reality Sosa’s photos depict will stick around for the time being. Brett Powell, who co-owns 1720 LA, a 3-year-old all-ages venue in Los Angeles’ warehouse district, wishes independent venues had received money earlier. "Now we're crossing our fingers and hoping that in the next few weeks we hear good news. But if we are just a percentage of venues that are still clinging on to hope, there are many that have lost hope."

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1720 LA was financially healthy prior to COVID — which may make the all-ages venue one of the lucky post-pandemic survivors.
Photo by Farah Sosa

Independent venues – even those that own their buildings or have sympathetic landlords – have exceedingly high overhead and thin profit margins. Sources for this article said they had received no relief for the cost of city permits, insurance or high taxes. Yet the venue itself is just the tip of the iceberg; the network of businesses contracted through venues – from security companies to backline, food vendors and liquor distributors – as well as surrounding businesses that depend on pre- and post-show crowds have all suffered. "For every person you see on a stage, there's like 100 people behind them supporting," said Matthew Himes, director of programming and production for Levitt Los Angeles, a nonprofit that hosts 50 free and sonically diverse concerts in MacArthur Park throughout the summer.

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"Levitt Pavilion is one of my favorite outdoor venues. They really worked hard to bring quality music to MacArthur Park, which was historically not known for being the best place to hang out," Sosa said. "Because of the music, it became a special place for the community."
Photo by Farah Sosa

Levitt relies on sponsorship and federal, state and local grants to fund its programming, though much of that has dried up as budgets shrink or are redirected to COVID safety. "The PPP loan was just a Band-Aid. We understand that this is gonna be at least another year for venues. A whole year is a long time to be able to fund every single person to at least pay their bills. People are getting other jobs, but L.A. has a 20 percent unemployment rate — I can't even get a job at Home Depot right now,” said Himes, who would normally be working six or seven days a week on Levitt programming.

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The intimate Mint on W. Pico Boulevard has been in business since the late 1930s and for decades was a renowned blues venue.
Photo by Farah Sosa

Owners and promoters such as Live Nation, Goldenvoice and AEG are also suffering without revenue from festivals like Coachella and midsized spaces like The Wiltern and The Palladium – though those corporations are more likely to have the financial means to survive COVID closures. Goldenvoice and AEG declined to comment, though several people interviewed for this article expressed concern that corporations' smaller venues will suffer the most in the wake of COVID.

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The Bootleg Theater in Filipinotown is an inclusive art space that hosts independent bands, theater, spoken-word and dance events.
Photo by Farah Sosa

"I don’t have anything against Live Nation or AEG, but I just don't think that them having a monopoly on music or the arts is going to be conducive. We need diversity; there needs to be some sort of competition amongst the arts," Himes said, adding that independent venues are where the majority of artists cut their teeth. "The whole L.A. jazz scene, like Kamasi Washington and Thundercat, 10 years ago they were at some bar in College Park in front of like, 20 to 40 people. There’s a progression that needs to happen for musicians to be able to get their name out there, and that requires all the people behind the scenes that elevate and curate that experience."

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The Echo and nearby Echoplex are run by Spaceland Presents, which hosts punk shows, dance nights and the hugely popular Funky Sole DJ party.
Photo by Farah Sosa

"Bands like Chicano Batman, La Santa Cecilia, Las Cafeteras — 5 to 10 years ago when they started out, they couldn't even find a place to play. We were very proud to put them on our stage and now they're headlining festivals, and they're GRAMMY award winners," said Lofgren, who moved from Maryland to Los Angeles in the early 1990s for the city's iconic nightlife. "This is where we make the dreams; that's irreplaceable. Music is a cultural thing; are we gonna start giving up on our culture?"

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A legendary Sunset Strip venue, The Roxy has hosted everyone from Bruce Springsteen and The Temptations to punk band The Germs and Pee Wee Herman. Its building is leased by Goldenvoice-AEG.
Photo by Farah Sosa

Without federal support, venues have had to find new ways to monetize their spaces. Some have turned to live streaming and other promoters have held drive-in concerts. Historic spaces like Silverlake's The Satellite are converting to restaurants. "We use GoFundMe and I know a number of other venues have as well," Lofgren said. "What does that say about our country when the only route that we have to save ourselves is by begging people to support us? It's not that I don't appreciate those people, because I certainly do. But it just doesn't seem right to me that we should expect other people, fans and customers, to be the ones to save us." The owner suggested streaming services like iTunes and Spotify offer some sort of financial support, adding, "I think it really needs to be a combination of government and private industry helping venues. I just don't know if that falls in line with the capitalist aspect of our world."

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On July 17, The Satellite announced it would reopen as a restaurant. The Silverlake venue could "no longer afford to wait for the day we will be allowed to have shows again.”
Photo by Farah Sosa

Even after a COVID vaccine is developed, 1720 owner Brett Powell expects it will be difficult to convince people to go back out to concerts. "It’s tough to think about the next 3, 5, 10 years, especially not knowing how much longer this goes on. So of course, this could lead to venues not being able to operate anymore, be insolvent, but we like to stay positive," he said. Questioned Himes, "How is the audience going to come back? Do they have extra money for an extracurricular activity if everyone’s been out of work? If people don't feel safe and feel comfortable, that's going to affect us as well."

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The Teragram Ballroom opened in May of 2015. It launched a GoFundMe page in March.
Photo by Farah Sosa

While the live music industry collectively holds its breath waiting for legislation to pass through Congress, there is hope in the bipartisan support for the RESTART and Save Our Stages bills. "Across all political beliefs, across all people, one thing is universal and that is music. It soothes the savage beast and it's something that we all agree brings joy to our lives," Lofgren said. "Supporting music and art culture should be universal. And I think if we don't do this, we're really turning down the wrong road for our country. The height of culture and civilization is when you're focused on creativity and artistic development."

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Sosa was looking forward to shooting Finnish cello metal band Apocalyptica at The Mayan — a stunning DTLA movie palace built in 1927 which now hosts a variety of bands.
Photo by Farah Sosa

"The United States' music scene is extremely strong and dominates globally, and has for a long time. Not to be so grandiose, but a huge part of what makes up Los Angeles is our music," Himes said. "It’s not speaking in hyperbole or being overdramatic to say if we don't do anything, a year from now, you're not gonna have the culture that you use to have, that you grew up talking about."

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The Theatre at Ace Hotel is a 1,600-seat Spanish-Gothic movie palace built in 1927.
Photo by Farah Sosa

Although photographing now quiet places that were once responsible for so much joy is emotionally exhausting, Farah Sosa remains committed to Los Angeles’ nightlife. "I do have a lot of hope that the people that come after me, younger generations of photographers, will be able to understand what a thrill it is to be on stage, in the first row, taking photos and documenting history," she said.

How The Global Coronavirus Pandemic Is Directly Impacting Songwriters, Musicians And Artists

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Rome, Italy

Photo by: Giuseppe Greco/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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Resources for Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: Asia, Europe & The U.K.

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The Recording Academy is committed to sharing resources to the global community of music creators and professionals affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic
GRAMMYs
Mar 23, 2020 - 5:11 pm

In the current coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, music creators and many of the professionals who support them have been greatly affected. The Recording Academy is committed to creating, amplifying, and sharing resources that will provide some form of comfort.

While The Academy’s MusiCares has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund available as a safety net for music creators in need, below you will find resources available to those in the music community who live in Asia, Europe and United Kingdom.
 

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ASIA

Hong Kong Arts Development Council
The organization has increased its support for the Arts & Cultural Sector to HK$55 million to help relieve the financial burden of the arts sector during this difficult period. Information on how to apply is on the org’s website.

Singapore Sets up Funding for Arts and Culture Sector amid COVID-19 Outbreak 
About S$1.6 million will be set aside for the arts and culture sector as part of support for the community amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and to prepare the sector for “post-disease recovery.”

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EUROPE

BELGIUM

Flanders Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Self-employed persons and assistants in the main occupation and assisting spouses who have to stop their activity due to the corona virus can receive financial benefits.

Wallonia-Brussels Federation
Information on aid for artists negatively impacted by event and job cancellations and/or postponements related to COVID-19.

FINLAND

Finnish Foundations and Ministry Provide Millions In Emergency Aid For Cultural Sector in Distress
A number of large Finnish foundations, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) are working together to grant swift assistance to arts and culture professionals who have been hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak. Funding totaling approximately EUR 1.5 million will be apportioned during April via the Arts Promotion Centre (Taike). Foundations will also grant significant sums in aid through their own channels.

FRANCE

Institut Français COVID-19 Resources
This French institute, that promotes French culture abroad, while promoting artistic exchanges and dialogue between cultures, has compiled several available resources for French artists and those employed in cultural sectors.

French Government’s Measures for Temporary Workers and Employees in the Cultural Sector
Muriel Pénicaud, Minister of Labor, and Franck Riester, Minister of Culture, have announced exceptional measures to support intermittent workers and employees in the cultural sector in the context of the health crisis.

Pays de la Loire Region Coronavirus Emergency Plan
This €50 million plan would be devoted to supporting the local economy --- €25 million in immediately available credits in the form of existing support systems and €25 million in new measures and credits, including €2 million in support of cultural and sports associations. The Pays de la Loire covers the area to the south of Brittany and Normandy, along the lower stretches of the river Loire.

French Government Containment System Certifications
On March 16, 2020, the French Government decided to take measures to minimize contact and travel. “A containment system has been in place since Tuesday, March 17 at 12:00 p.m., for a minimum of fifteen days. Travel is prohibited except in the following cases and only if you have a certificate for: 1.) Move from home to work when telework is not possible 2.) Make essential purchases in authorized local shops 3.) Go to a health professional 4.) Travel for child care or to help vulnerable people, or for a compelling family reason, duly justified, on the strict condition of respecting barrier gestures 5.) Exercise only on an individual basis, around the home and without any gathering. Violations of these rules without a certificate will be punished with a fine of 135 euros.”

GERMANY

GEMA Corona Aid Fund
The German performance rights organization has created a $43 million fund for composers, lyricists, music publishers and songwriter members negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on how one is personally affected, members can apply for transitional aid of up to EUR 5,000.

The Luxembourg Government – COVID-19 Efforts
The Ministry of The Economy has established a website and hotline for information and recommendations for businesses

Queer Relief (Berlin) 
Created by the queer community in Berlin, this application was created to help offer support for those who are vulnerable to COVID-19. Applicants who are on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, womxn, sex workers, refugees, and other marginalized individuals (i.e. BiPoC) will receive priority.

Petition: Help for Freelancer and Artists during the Corona Shutdown
This petition seeks to urge Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz immediate financial help for freelancers and people from the creative scene, for example in the form of “1.) Non-bureaucratic bridging money, for example in the form of a temporary (unconditional) basic income 2.) Aid fund to quickly compensate for lost income, e.g. connected to the artists' social security fund (but expressly NOT limited to its members, since all freelancers are equally affected) and 3.) A short-time work benefit, in which the net income from the last available tax assessment is based on a monthly support payment by the tax offices.”

ITALY

Petition: Appeal for Urgent Support For Show Business Workers
Fondazione Centro Studi Doc has set up this Change.org petition advocating Italy’s President and government to extend immediate emergency relief to the artistic community

POLAND

Poland’s Culture Promotion Fund
Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage is offering social assistance from The Culture Promotion Fund can be obtained by artists who are in a difficult financial situation.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need To Do
The UK Government has set up a webpage offering information on financial support, school and business closures, small business support, and health related updates.

UK Tax Helpline for Businesses
New Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) helpline launched to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Help Musicians Health and Welfare Support
Help Musicians’ Health and Welfare team offers structured support to professional musicians in times of personal crisis. Their approach is “person-centered; building tailored support around an individual’s specific needs.” Help Musicians is unable to replace lost earnings. But they are able to provide financial support in cases of significant financial hardship as well as signposting for debt/welfare-related issues. The organization also provides financial assistance for health interventions and access to music specialist health assessments for performance-related health issues. Applicants who live in the United Kingdom who have savings that do not exceed £16,000 (rare exceptions may be made; for example, the limit is a higher £20,000 for retirees) should apply.

Music Venue Trust
Emergency legal advice for music venues. The organization allows every venue in the country to access free legal and expert advice on licensing, planning, development, noise, and even tenancy issues.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Musicians
Incorporated Society of Musicians has compiled an online resource hub for performers, music professionals, private and employed music teachers.

Musicians’ Union Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice
Find advice and read latest news on Coronavirus for musicians

Association of Independent Promoters
The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) is a new not for profit trade association bringing together independent promoters from across the UK. Our aim is to represent, empower and provide a vital support network to promoters.

Petition: UK Government to offer economic assistance to the events industry during COVID-19
For the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.

Petition: Temporary Income Protection Fund
This Change.org petition is asking the government to create a Temporary Income Protection Fund to support freelancers through the Coronavirus crisis. The idea is for a time-limited, targeted injection of funds to keep businesses afloat over the coming months and cover basic income costs like food and rent.

Scottish Government COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The Scottish government has announced a £350m fund for councils, charities, businesses and community groups. Roughly £45 million will be added to the existing Scottish Welfare Fund which makes community grants and crisis grants to those in immediate need. In addition, £20 million will be allocated to a Third Sector Resilience Fund, £40 million to the Supporting Communities Fund to support the rapidly growing and inspiring community efforts at a local level; £70m will be allocated to a Food Fund and £50 million will be given to the Wellbeing Fund which will help charities and others who require additional capacity to work with at-risk people.

Ireland Artist Emergency Relief Fund
The Civic Theatre in Dublin has created this fund to provide financial relief to Irish artists experiencing lost income related to COVID-19. Small grants of up to €500 will be paid rapidly on a first-come, first-served basis to affected artists and groups.
 

GENERAL RESOURCES

MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events. From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events, and the creative community behind it all. Administered through MusiCares, the COVID-19 Fund will be used to directly support those in the music community with the greatest need. To establish the fund, both the Recording Academy and MusiCares have contributed an initial donation of $1 million each, totaling $2 million. Additionally, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. Further updates and announcements will be made in the coming days.

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Los Angeles

Photo credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images

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Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: West Region

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The Recording Academy's Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pacific Northwest and Texas chapters are committed to sharing resources for music creators and professionals affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic
GRAMMYs
Mar 19, 2020 - 2:25 pm

In the current coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, music creators and many of the professionals who support them have been greatly affected. The Recording Academy’s Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pacific Northwest and Texas chapters are committed to creating, amplifying, and sharing resources that will provide some form of comfort.

Below you will find resources available to those in the music community who live in the Recording Academy’s West Region. Please visit regularly for updates.

ARIZONA

Tucson Musicians COVID19 Relief (GoFundMe)
The COVID-19 outbreak has created an unprecedented loss of work for Tucson’s local musicians. This fund is set up to temporarily help those who could use some money for food, medicine, bills, childcare and other essentials.

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs

This program provides emergency relief grants to City of Los Angeles-based dance, music, and theatre artists, as well as small ensembles who have had their public performances, shows, or concerts canceled. Solo artists are eligible for up to $400 and ensembles up to $1,200 to cover losses in time and/or materials that were committed toward events, which were to have taken place at a venue within the City of Los Angeles and were to be open to the general public. Eligible events should have been publicly advertised and scheduled to take between March 16, 2020 and May 16, 2020, AND must have been canceled (or postponed to after August 30, 2020).

Due to a modest amount of available fund in round one of this fund, artists who were scheduled to perform pieces within a festival, teach private solo or group lessons, or perform at a private function for an invite-only audience are not eligible. The first round will focus on artists and groups who were headlining an entire public event/evening.

COVID-19 Emergency Health Grant for Artists
In light of the rapidly escalating impacts of COVID-19 on the health and wellbeing of our Southern California creative community, Women’s Center for Creative Work has re-worked its 2020 Emergency Health Grant for Artists, and is now offering $1,000 grants. Low-income artists who work in any genre or medium, who identify as a woman, as Trans or non-binary, and/or as a person of color, who live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside or San Bernardino Counties are eligible to apply.

Creative Community Fund
Winston House, a musician’s social club based in Venice, CA, has set up a fund that pairs people in the music industry who need financial help due to COVID-19 with people who can help.

Backline Care
Billed as “The Music Industry’s Mental Health and Wellness Hub,” this organization’s mission connects music industry professionals and their family with a trusted network of mental health and wellness providers.

COVID-19 California Arts Field Survey
The California Arts Council is surveying the arts field at-large to gather data on the potential financial impacts of this public health emergency. If you are an organization or individual in the arts field that anticipates losing personal or business income related to COVID-19, consider filling out this brief survey. This data will be an important resource to inform the California Arts Council and the state of California.

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation COVID-19 Response Page
This online hub is designed to help employers and related workforce in L.A. County respond to the challenges of the COVID-19/coronavirus. Updates are made daily. 

The Musicians Union of Los Angeles - Coronavirus COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds
AFM Local 47 and the Music Fund of Los Angeles have established Emergency Relief Funds to assist members in need who have been subject to work stoppages relating to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Music Fund of Los Angeles Emergency Relief Fund
The Music Fund of Los Angeles Executive Board has established an Emergency Relief Fund for AFM Local members who have lost revenue due to work stoppages resulting from the coronavirus COVID-19 emergency. This fund will be able to extend a limited amount of grants for members who work for employers covered by a Local 47 contract or collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Musicians Union Local 6 – San Francisco
For members of this union who have lost their income from playing and teaching, run the risk of losing their homes or healthcare due to their inability to pay. The Local 6 Board of Directors is meeting on March 30, 2020, to evaluate all applications, and evaluate relative need.

LA Mayor’s Economic Relief Package
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses anchored in the city of Los Angeles can apply for no-fee microloans of $5,000–$20,000 that may be used to cover working capital. The program will offer relaxed underwriting with no credit score minimum, a generous allowance to meet debt service and a 100% loan-to-value ratio.

Opera San José Artists and Musicians Relief Fund
The opera company has set up an emergency cash reserve to support the “musicians, singers, carpenters, stitchers, designers and other hourly company members” that make its productions possible.

COLORADO

Denver Metro Area Artist COVID-19 Relief Fund
Artists are one of the largest segments of the Denver metro area population that make up the "gig economy" and are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund aims to help said artists basic daily expenses. Priority will be given to those artists who are part of historically marginalized groups "because of the intersectional economic realities they face already."

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico Musicians Relief Fund amid COVID-19
Freelance classical musician and music educator Thomas Goodrich organized this fund, with a goal of raising $30,000 to help New Mexico musicians who have been financially impacted by coronavirus-related cancellations. Priority will be given to artists of color, LGBTQ and non-binary artists, and disabled artists.

OKLAHOMA

Red Dirt Relief Fund
The Red Dirt Relief Fund has offered financial assistance to Oklahoma music professionals in times of need since 2012. It has pledged $50,000 to a new coronavirus relief fund, offering one-time emergency grants of up to $250 on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply for a grant here.

GRAMMYs

 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Northwest Folklife: COVID-19 Artist & Community Resource List
Northwest Folklife is committed to supporting artists and community groups and has compiled a list of resources for financial assistance, mutual aid and advocacy, and informational support.

Seattle Artists Relief Fund Amid COVID-19
This fund is aimed at helping those in the greater Seattle arts community who have been financially impacted by cancellations due to COVID-19. Depending on funding levels and amount of requests, priority may be given to artists from communities that have been historically and systemically economically disadvantaged in the Seattle Area: BIPOC artists, transgender & non-binary artists, and disabled artists

Seattle Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund
A coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners has joined together to create a COVID-19 Response Fund that will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak in the Puget Sound region.

Seattle Hospitality Emergency Fund
Seattle hospitality workers are currently able to apply for full or partial unemployment, and the city is working to pass a ban on evictions during this time. Despite these reliefs, there is no 100% rent forgiveness, and unemployment payments take time to arrive and are often not enough to cover basic living costs in one of the most expensive cities in the nation. Additionally, those laid off from jobs that also pay for their medical insurance may have to buy into COBRA or the open market, which can be a devastating cost while relying on unemployment payments alone. The aim is to provide everyone who applies with emergency funds, but the fund will prioritize the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and immunocompromised members of the community.

Seattle Independent Artist Sustainability Effort
A comprehensive document listing all available resources for every gig-based sector, including actors, musicians, composers, choreographers, dancers, designers, directors, drag performers, DJs, and more.

Seattle Music Teachers Fund
For musicians living and working in Seattle "the odds are you make 30%-50% of your income teaching lessons." Often the length of shifts falls short of state requirements for state income programs like disability or worker’s compensation. This fund is meant to help with income lost due to canceled lessons and other non-performance music work.

Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Oregon Musicians Relief Fund
This fund organized by the Jeremy Wilson Foundation is raising $25,000 to go toward medical expenses, lodging, food and other vital living expenses for musicians based in Oregon and Clark County, Washington, impacted by sickness or loss of work due to the pandemic.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s Arts Stabilization Fund
In addition to donating $50,000 to the Seattle Artists Relief Fund and another $50,000 to the Artist Trust COVID-19 Artist Relief Fund, the city’s mayor has launched a $1 million Arts Stabilization Fund to help mitigate revenue losses due to the moratorium on events and public gatherings.

Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare
SMASH helps connect Seattle musicians to healthcare, dental services and health education.

COVID-19 Handbook for Creative Industries
King County, Washington has created an online handbook that “is being rapidly updated to bring together resources to take care of yourself and your family; to support the arts and culture community; and to prepare for recovery.”

COVID-19 AND THE FILM, MUSIC, NIGHTLIFE, AND EVENT INDUSTRIES
Seattle’s Office of Film + Music and Special Events’ online resource for current activity and updates on permit restrictions and resources small businesses, employees, contractors, and gig workers can take advantage of during the current climate.

COVID-19 Relief Resources for Hawaii Based Artists
List of resources available to Hawaii locals seeking information on relief funds, health and prevention tips, resources for musicians, information for small businesses and ways to donate to help those in need. 

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TEXAS

Houston Music Foundation
Houston Music Foundation is a crisis relief fund created to help our city’s musicians in times of need. The goal of Houston Music Foundation is to raise funds for local musicians residing in Harris County during times of crisis, and to get donations into the hands of those in need as quickly as possible. Qualified applicants are eligible for a one-time grant of $500. 

Banding Together - ATX
The Red River Cultural District is Banding Together with the Austin live music community to support the venues, artists, creatives, service/hospitality and production workers, businesses and additional organizations that rely on SXSW, regular programming and continual income to survive. Donations to the local non-profit will help provide financial relief to those in the Austin live music community that have been economically impacted by the cancellation of SXSW and COVID-19.

DFW Musician & Gig Worker Fund
This fund aims to assist two groups of people: full-time musicians who perform at bars, restaurants, weddings, and private gigs; and live music gig workers (stagehands, FOH, box office employees, etc.) who are having a hard time paying necessary living expenses.

Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
HAAM provides access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s low-income working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness. Many Austin musicians are self-employed and have no access to health insurance or basic healthcare. They often work multiple jobs and struggle to pay for food, clothing and shelter, with nothing left for healthcare. Since 2005, HAAM has helped 5,300 musicians access over $73 million dollars in healthcare value. These include routine dental work, doctor visits and prescriptions, psychiatric counseling sessions, eye exams, out-patient procedures, specialist referrals, hearing screenings and more.

Southern Smoke Foundation
Southern Smoke Foundation provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. Established in 2017, our emergency relief fund has distributed more than $830,000 to individuals in the food and beverage industry in crisis. The application process is completely anonymous.

SIMS Foundation
SIMS Foundation provides mental health and substance use recovery services for musicians, music industry professionals, and their families to support the well-being of the Austin music community.

Creating Our Future Dallas Low Income Artist Relief Fund
For Dallas area artists and/or freelancers who are experiencing a decline in business as a result of Covid-19 closures.

Austin Texas Musicians
The musician advocacy nonprofit formed by local artist Nakia Reynoso is working to secure relief funds and resources for musicians. In the meantime, it has created a continually-updated resource list.

Dallas Artist Relief Fund
Creating Our Future is a group of artists and arts advocates in Dallas who are raising money to support artists and freelancers who are taking financial hits as a result of closures and lost income from COVID-19. The GoFundMe campaign has set a goal of $5,000 to raise funds to provide emergency and preventative resources to those at financial risk. The support is aimed at helping support for low-income, BIPOC, trans/GNC/NB/Queer artists who can apply here.

Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
HAAM provides access to affordable healthcare for low-income musicians living in Austin.

Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers
H.O.M.E provides financial housing assistance for needy aging musicians in Austin with grant assistance and other support, including referrals to additional available resources.

I Lost My Gig- Austin
Designed to benefit Austin locals who lost work due to SXSW’s cancellation, I Lost My Gig is currently soliciting donations. As of Sunday (March 15), it had already received over 750 submissions representing over $4.2 million in lost income.

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
This centralized guide was created for small businesses and nonprofits in Texas who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and are looking to apply for SBA loans. Those who have suffered “substantial economic injury” from COVID-19 may be eligible for economic injury disaster loans of up to $2 million.

Texas Music Office
Though the office isn’t offering benefits itself, it can help music workers affected by the pandemic apply for the state’s disaster unemployment assistance, which extends unemployment benefits to those who don’t traditionally qualify.

Texas Workforce Commission
Texas residents can submit an application for unemployment benefits here.

Workforce Solutions Capital Area
WFS, the nonprofit governing body for the regional workforce, is offering layoff support both for businesses and workers in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

GENERAL RESOURCES:

Crew Nation
Live Nation has committed $10 million to Crew Nation – contributing an initial $5 million to the fund, then matching the next $5 million given by artists, fans and employees dollar for dollar. Crew Nation is powered by Music Forward Foundation, a charitable 501c3 organization that will be administering the fund.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration notes small business owners in the following designated states are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19): California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington.

Creative Capital’s List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Creative Capital has created a list of resources for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals.

Foundation for the Contemporary Arts Emergency Fund
The Foundation for Contemporary Arts has created a temporary fund to meet the needs of artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions. For as long as the foundation’s Board of Directors determines it is necessary and prudent to do so, the Foundation will disburse $1,000 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 virus.

Jazz Foundation of America
The Jazz Foundation’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund provides housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief and direct financial support in times of crisis.

Rauschenberg Emergency Grants Program
New York Foundation for The Arts has partnered with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to administer a new emergency grant program that will provide one-time grants of up to $5,000 for medical emergencies. The grants are available to visual and media artists and choreographers who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation COVID-19 DISASTER FUND
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (MPPWF) have created the COVID-19 Disaster Fund that is now available to eligible SAG-AFTRA members who have been impacted by this pandemic.

Sound Girls
Sound Girls, an organization that supports women working in professional audio and music production, is compiling a list of resources to utilize during this forced downtime and unemployment. From best business practices, career development, continuing education, and side hustles to get you through this trying time.

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.

American Association of Independent Music
A2IM is surveying indie music companies about how the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting their businesses. The results will inform the organization’s discussions with the New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, as well as its investigations of federal assistance programs.

American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund
Any AGMA member in good standing is invited to apply for financial assistance under the AGMA Relief Fund, which has temporarily doubled the amount of assistance available to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Artist Relief Tree
Anyone who is an artist can request funds from the Artist Relief Tree, which plans to fulfill every request with a flat $250 on a first-come-first-serve basis. The fund is currently not accepting new requests until it can secure more funding, but if you would like to be informed if and when the opportunity becomes available again, click here.

AudioAssemble.com
AudioAssmeble.com has put together a list of online remote opportunities for musicians that are available for U.S.-based musicians during the COVID-19 outbreak. Their financial resources page has short-term and long-term job opportunities, as well as governmental resources to help musicians generate revenue.

Blues Foundation HART Fund
The HART Fund helps underinsured or uninsured blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a range of health concerns.

COVID-19 Music Production Response Group*
A Facebook group meant as an “open forum for constructive debate about the effects of COVID-19 on music production industry professionals,” according to administrators. Its nearly 4,000 members (as of March 18) are sharing news updates, suggested actions, job opportunities and other resources.

Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund*
Equal Sound, an organization that strives to break down traditional genre boundaries through events and advocacy, is inviting musicians who have lost income due to the pandemic to apply for funds. Applicants must provide proof they had a confirmed concert canceled over the coronavirus to receive the money.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program
In response to the pandemic, Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses around the world, including music and live events businesses. More details to come (you can sign up for updates here). Facebook also has a new Business Resource Hub to help small businesses prepare for and manage disruptions like COVID-19.

Freelance Coop Emergency Fund
The Freelance Coop, which connects creative freelancers with business resources, created an emergency fund for freelancers adversely affected by the pandemic. Examples of funding usage are unexpected childcare costs due to school closures, client cancellations, and medical expenses due to the virus itself. As of March 18, the fund had $35,279 in requests and $5,299.69 raised, and is continuing to call for donations to keep up with demand.

Gospel Music Trust Fund
Individuals working in the gospel music field can submit a request for financial assistance to the Gospel Music Trust Fund, which grants funding in the event “of an emergency or major catastrophe, terminal or severe illness,” according to their website.

Independent Venue Week*
Non-profit organization Independent Venue Week has compiled a list of indie music venues that have launched GoFundMe and other fundraising campaigns to stay afloat during the nation-wide closures.

International Bluegrass Music Association’s BlueGrass Trust Fund
Current or former bluegrass music professionals can apply here for financial grants and loans, which are generally between $500 and $5,000. The association has also created a coronavirus-specific resource page.

Leveler.info
The “peer-to-peer wealth distribution” service is a tool for salaried workers to donate funds across a database of freelancers, service industry and gig economy workers who are impacted by coronavirus health and safety restrictions.

Missed Tour*
Artists and bands who have been displaced from touring due to the pandemic can list their merchandise on this site to help offset lost revenue — with zero charges or fees. Apply to be added to the site here.

Music Health Alliance
The Nashville-based Music Health Alliance provides healthcare support services to uninsured members of the music industry.

Music Maker Relief Foundation
The foundation, which provides ongoing support to American artists 55 and older who live in chronic poverty, also gives out emergency grants to artists in crisis. It is now soliciting donations to ensure the stability of vulnerable elderly musicians during the pandemic.

NOMAD Fundraiser for the Touring Crew (GoFundMe)
Touring manager Frank Fanelli is aiming to raise $20,000 for touring crew members and roadies who have lost income due to gig cancellations and postponements. Donations close at the end of March.

Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Assistance League
PAL provides financial assistance to elderly musicians for medical and living expenses. Preference is given to blues artists, though musicians in other genres may be eligible depending on available funds.

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
The Small Business Administration has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for economic injury disaster loans. However, you must be located in a “declared disaster area” to apply for assistance. Check if your state qualifies here.

Tour Support Free Online Therapy
Tour Support, a mental health nonprofit for the live music industry, is offering independent touring contractors whose tours have been postponed or canceled one month of free online therapy through Better Help.  

Viral Music — Because Kindness is Contagious
Independent musicians are invited to use this more than 21,000-member Facebook support group to connect with music fans. “Use this joint to post links to your merch store, online shows, Patreon, or online music lessons,” organizers write. “If you’ve had a gig canceled, post the city and your Venmo/PayPal -- many of us would love to pass along our ticket refunds to you.”

Resources for Writers in the Time of Coronavirus
As writers, teachers, publishers, and booksellers in local, national, and international communities “grapple with how to proceed in their creative, financial, professional, and personal lives during this time of uncertainty,” POETS & WRITERS has compiled a list of resources.

Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund
Started by Luther Hughes, founder of Shade Literary Arts, this relief fund seeks to “help at least 100 queer writers of color who have been financially impacted by the current COVID-19. Priority will be given to queer Trans women, and queer disabled writers of color. The minimum disbursement is $100, and the maximum is $500.

The New Music Solidarity Fund 
This fund is an artist-led initiative that aims to grant emergency funding to musicians impacted by COVID-19.
The Fund has raised over $130,000, primarily from fellow musicians, composers, and music professionals. At least two hundred and sixty, $500 emergency assistance grants will be made available to applicants who meet the criteria.

American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund
Any AGMA member in good standing is invited to apply for financial assistance under the AGMA Relief Fund, which has temporarily doubled the amount of assistance available to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

AudioAssemble.com Online Resources For Musicians The website has compiled a list of online remote opportunities that are available for U.S.-based musicians during the COVID-19 outbreak. Their financial resources page has short-term and long-term job opportunities, as well as governmental resources to help musicians generate revenue. 

Coronavirus: Resources for Property Owners
National Association of Realtors has compiled an online hub of resources for property owners impacted by the global pandemic

The Creator Fund
The fund covers up to $500 per creator to help cover medical, childcare, housing or grocery needs.

Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Mortgage Help for Homeowners Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) and the Federal Home Loan Banks are taking steps to help people who have been impacted by the coronavirus.   If your ability to pay your mortgage is impacted, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period

Feeding America
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger.

HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust)
The Blues foundation’s fund helps underinsured or uninsured blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a range of health concerns.

THE INNER LIGHT CHALLENGE
The Material World Foundation, created by George Harrison in 1973, is today donating $500,000 to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, Save the Children, and Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) charities, which are providing much-needed aid and care during this COVID-19 pandemic. For every person that shares their own “Inner Light” moment on social media using the hashtag #innerlight2020, the MWF will give another $1 to help those affected by COVID-19 (up to $100k.)

Harpo Foundation Visual Arts Grant
This grant provides direct support to under-recognized artists 21 years or older. Amount awarded can be up to $10,000. Application deadline is May 1, 2020

MORE RESOURCES:

Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: East Region
Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: South Region
Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund