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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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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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A Message From The Chairman, Interim CEO Of The Recording Academy

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The Recording Academy’s ongoing commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Membership
Jan 26, 2020 - 10:41 am

Six months ago, when I put my hat in the ring to be your Chair, I did so because I believed that the Academy could do better – could be better. The music we create has always reflected the best of ourselves and our world. But what was true of music has historically not been true of the music business as a whole. Too often, our industry and Academy have alienated some of our own artists – in particular, through a lack of diversity that, in many cases, results in a culture that leans towards exclusion rather than inclusion.
 
The Academy is recognized for our excellence. We are a leader. And being a leader means taking responsibility even when it feels like the problems at hand are bigger than us.
 
This is hard. Some might feel that responsibility is unfair, while others might feel it’s not going far enough. But in the end, we must take on this work. Because it’s the right thing to do.
 
I ran for this position because, as a music creator, I wanted to help bring this organization in line with the values I know this community shares. I asked for your trust – and your help – as we continue to push the Academy towards a place where everyone is valued, respected, and included. That’s the Academy that we – artists and fans alike – deserve.
 
In entering this role six months ago, I was fortunate to be building on courageous and inspiring work. Artists – especially women and artists of color – had long begun demanding transparency and taking on our traditional power structure. They have found allies across the industry who believe that we can do better and have joined the fight for change.
 
In February 2018, we empowered a Diversity Task Force, led by Tina Tchen and made up of distinguished individuals from outside the Academy, to take a hard, independent look at our organization specifically and the music industry as a whole. They detailed the ways in which we were falling short, and laid out 18 recommendations for change.
 
Since I took office, we as an organization have agreed to 17 of those 18 recommendations. I know some will feel that we’re not doing enough fast enough. I understand the urgency. For me personally, and for this organization, these immediate steps are a continuation of our ongoing work.
 
But it’s not enough to pledge ourselves to change. We must take action. There is no excuse for waiting, especially when so many of our members have been tirelessly advocating for a bold new direction for so long.
 
That’s why I’m proud to announce these new initiatives, initiatives developed in partnership with the Diversity Task Force and other champions of change. They include the following:
 
The Academy will hire a dedicated Diversity & Inclusion Officer. This person will be hired within the next 90 days.
We will establish a fellowship, funded by the Academy, that will be responsible for independent review and reporting of the progress of the Academy's Diversity & Inclusion efforts. This will be in place within 120 days.

We will create a fund to be distributed annually to different “women in music” organizations that will be managed by the D&I Officer. This will go into effect immediately.

The Academy will recommit to meeting all 18 of the Task Force Recommendations as outlined in the full report and in a manner that will endure, with the caveat that we will have a deeper exploration, along with the Task Force into voting processes for the GRAMMYS.

We are committing to meet with the Task Force to review our progress on these as well as the rest of their eighteen initiatives. This first meeting will happen in 45 days. There will be subsequent follow ups to review progress.

It’s been a challenging week for our Academy family. I’ve heard from many of you who feel betrayed and hurt by the untruths being spread about our motives and actions, the integrity of our process and the artists who've rightfully earned their GRAMMY Nominations, and the reminders of the hard truths we do have to face as a community. We can all be proud that we are recommitting ourselves to transparency, to independent investigations, and to following the facts wherever they lead. And I want to thank the incredible Academy team that, through it all, work day and night, from staff, artist support services, member relations, chapter leaders, MusiCares, The GRAMMY Museum Foundation, and to those putting on a spectacular show and the week’s events.
 
The movement to ensure that the Academy – and the music business – is truly representative of artists and their audiences has been going on for a long time. And that struggle will continue, not just for women and people of color, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, for artists struggling to make ends meet, for those suffering from addiction or mental health challenges, for people of all shapes and sizes and backgrounds, and for groups we may not even recognize today. As a leading voice in the industry, we have an obligation to be on the frontlines of that change. To build a system that continuously evolves with our changing society – a system where every artist, no matter who they are, feels welcomed and supported. That’s what it will take to not just survive but thrive in an industry that’s transforming as quickly as ours.
 
This won’t be easy. But here’s the thing: I know we can do this together. Because that’s what we have always done. We are collaborators. After all, as a peer-based community, the

Academy truly represents music at its best. It has always reflected the very artists who grapple with the issues that shape our times, and push society to live up to our ideals. That’s what it means to be a part of this extraordinary community of artists – people with integrity, people with passion, and people who, above all, are committed to music and its possibilities.
 
Tonight, many of our colleagues will take the stage on Music’s Biggest Night, be honored by their community of peers and thank the Academy. On behalf of the Academy, I’d like to thank them. Thank you for the authenticity you bring to your craft, the dignity with which you carry yourselves, and the love you show to each other and our world.
 
I look forward to working side by side with you to continue building an Academy that reflects the best in us, and honors the incredible artists who lift us up every day.
 
Respectfully Yours,
Harvey Mason Jr

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New York City

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

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The Recording Academy's Illinois, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. 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 Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. chapters are 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 within states that make up the Academy’s East Region. Please visit regularly for updates.

INDIANA

Arts Council of Indianapolis COVID-19 Impact Survey for Individual Artists
The Arts Council is collecting data about the known and anticipated impacts of COVID-19 on arts organizations and individual artists. The data provided will be used to help inform future emergency relief efforts including funding, services, and support.

Indy Service Worker VENMO Listing
Donate directly to Indianapolis area servers, bartenders, bar backs, front of house restaurant workers, cooks, dishwashers, delivery personnel, and security guards who have been impacted by COVID-19 related closures of music venues, bars and restaurants. 

ILLINOIS

Arts for Illinois Relief Fund
The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund provides financial relief to workers and organizations in the creative industries impacted by COVID-19. This includes all artists and artisans, including stage and production members and part-time cultural workers, and large to small arts organizations in all disciplines. Donations to the fund will go directly to artists and arts organizations throughout Illinois. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Individuals are encouraged to apply for one-time grants of $1,500, which are awarded expediently and based on a lottery system. Arts organizations grants are likewise based on a combination of need and lost revenue from the crisis.

Chicago Service Relief
A directory of fundraisers for Chicago bars, venues and restaurants that can use our help to support their staff during the state-mandated shutdown.

Chicago Artists Relief Fund
This fund was created by Chicago-area artists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their aim is to support persons in the greater Chicago arts community who are experiencing financial repercussions due to pandemic-related cancellations. Priority will be given to BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color] artists, transgender & non-binary and queer artists, and disabled artists. However, the fund aims to help as many Chicago-area artists in need as possible.

Pay the Musicians
Chicago Blues Revival has created this website that houses links to live performances by some of Chicago’s great blues musicians. The goal is that fans listen and enjoy, then, take the money that they would spend on going out to see that concert, and give it directly to the musicians. Paypal IDs for the lead musicians and supporting musicians are listed.

3Arts Emergency Resources
Digital index of COVID-19 relief resources for Chicago area artists

COVID-19 Resources for Theatre Artists in Chicago
The Chicago Artist Guide has created a list of funds, online mental/health and wellness outlets, volunteer opportunities and locations offering free food available to those negatively impacted by COVID-19.

The Dancers’ Fund
Chicago Dancers United’s dancers’ fund provides short-term financial assistance to Chicago dance professionals in times of critical health need.

League of Chicago Theatres – Chicago Theatre Workers Relief Fund
The League of Chicago Theatres has developed a Chicago Theatre Workers Relief Fund. This Fund is available to Chicago area theatre professionals who have had to stop work and are not getting paid---including those who were on contract, part-time employees and those working on a stipend that was not paid--- due to COVID-19. Grants of up to $500 are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

NEW JERSEY

New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund
Led by NJ’s First Lady Tammy Murphy, the state has established the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund to collect donations and distribute funds. One hundred percent of donations received online by NJPRF will be used to fight the medical, social, and economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey’s most vulnerable, supporting organizations that provide essential services and aiding those on the front line of the pandemic. Popular New Jerseyans Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Whoopi Goldberg, Danny DeVito, Carli Lloyd, and Charlie Puth are actively endorsing the fund and soliciting donations.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Artist Relief Fund
In partnership with the Boston Center for the Arts, the City of Boston has established an artist relief fund that will award grants of $500 and $1,000 to individual artists living in Boston whose “creative practices and incomes” are being negatively affected by the pandemic. Priority will be given to lower-income artists as well as those who have not received funds from city-led grants during the current fiscal year.

Boston Music Maker Relief Fund
The Record Co. has established a fund to provide financial relief to music makers living in Boston who have lost revenue due to gig cancellations over the coronavirus. Grants of up to $200 will be made available to applicants who meet the criteria.

Boston Singers’ Resource COVID-19 Emergency Relief
The career services nonprofit is offering one-time grants of up to $500 for New England-based classical singers who have lost income due to coronavirus-related cancellations. The deadline for the first round of grants is April 1.

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MINNESOTA

Twin Cities Music Community Trust Entertainment Industry Relief Fund
The widespread cancellation of group events has a disproportionate impact on the music and event industry workforce and local musicians—individuals who rely on gigs to pay their bills. All funds donated will directly impact someone who has lost a gig due to COVID-19 and its effect on the industry. This includes night staff, door staff, bartenders, security, stage crews, tour managers, merchandise sellers, photographers, local musicians and more.

Springboard for the Arts Personal Emergency Relief Fund
Nonprofit Springboard for the Arts has committed an additional $10,000 to its emergency fund and expanded guidelines to include lost income due to coronavirus-related gig cancellations. Artists based in Minnesota can request up to $500 to compensate for canceled work that was scheduled and lost.

MICHIGAN

The Detroit I Love Artist Fund
The Detroit I Love was created as a platform to promote the music and arts community in Detroit. In an effort to offer financial assistance to the local DJs and musicians, this fund will pay out $100 per artist on a first come basis.

City of Detroit Resources for Artists
The Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship has compiled a list of resources for artists and entertainers affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Michigan Music Relief Fund
Established by the Michigan Music Alliance, this fund will plan to disperse funds raised to members of the Michigan music community.

NEW YORK

Musicians’ Assistance Program (MAP)
The Musicians’ Assistance Program (MAP) provides support so that Local 802 members can perform with the highest artistry and productivity while minimizing any interruption to their work. This service is provided by Local 802 for its members and their families and is administered and professionally staffed by The Actors Fund. All of MAP’s services are strictly confidential and are free of charge.

Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund
ERF is a non-profit charitable organization that provides financial assistance and support services to musicians in need and is run through the Local 802 Musicians Assistance Program administered by the Actor’s Fund. ERF assistance is provided in the form of a direct grant to the musician’s service provider. For example, the funds are sent directly to physicians, landlords, and counselors.

Max’s Kansas City Project
Max’s Kansas City Project provides emergency funding and resources to professionals in the creative arts. Individuals who have made their living through their art form either professionally or personally and demonstrate a financial need for medical aid, legal aid or housing can apply for assistance.

Musicians’ Foundation Aid
Musicians Foundation is formed to foster the interests and advance the condition and social welfare of professional musicians and to provide voluntary aid and assistance to professional musicians and their families in case of need.

NYC Covid-19 Musician Resources and Support
This Facebook community group is a hub for sharing ideas, financial tips and resources for New York City area music creators

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.

Dramatist Guild Foundation
It is vital to support writers in times of need so that they can get back to doing what they do best. DGF provides emergency financial assistance to individual playwrights, composers, lyricists, and book writers in dire need of funds due to severe hardship or unexpected illness.

Lost My Gig NYC
This site keeps a running list of NYC freelancers working in the events industry who are in need of financial assistance due to the crisis, allowing people to donate directly to those individuals through their Venmo, CashApp and Paypal accounts. Apply to have your name added.

NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund
as of March 18, this fund has raised more than $36,000 for NYC-based low-income, BIPOC, Trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary and queer artists and freelancers whose livelihoods are being effected by the pandemic. Update: In order to meet demand, the fund has temporarily paused applications for funding. Those who have already applied will be informed about fund distribution by March 20.

New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment
The MOME website offers information and services including a survey for nightlife workers, freelancers and businesses impacted by COVID-19; and a link to Small Business Services, which is offering assistance and guidance for local businesses.

OHIO

Columbus Artists Relief Fund
The Columbus Artists Relief Fund is raising money to help offset the financial impact felt by Columbus artists through lost work. This is open to individual artists in central Ohio. Priority will be given to artists who are black, indigenous or people of color, transgender or non-binary or disabled, but the goal is to try to help as many artists with need in the greater Columbus-area as possible.

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PENNSYLVANIA

City of Philadelphia Mental & Physical Health Updates
Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone. Call our helpline 24/7 to speak with a health care professional: 1-800-722-7112.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Map of all locations offering food resources to adult aged persons in the city of Philadelphia

Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund
If you are a musician who has lost income due to a canceled gig as a result of the Coronavirus / Covid-19 outbreak, you are eligible for funds. Disbursements will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

PENNSYLVANIA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 4,500 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. To support local music educators who might be in need, the association is extending resources.

#HomeMadeMusic Online Concert Program
The Morning Call’s GO Guide is introducing a new Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania music spotlight. As Coronavirus control measures have forced entertainment venues to cancel countless regional shows, musicians and audience members have been unfortunately cut off from each other. This program is hoping to change that. If you’re a Lehigh Valley musicians/singer-songwriters, play and record a song to post on Twitter with the tags #HomeMadeMusic and @GOGuideLV.

Philadelphia Performing Artists' Emergency Fund Application
The Philadelphia Performing Artists' Emergency Fund was created amid the COVID-19 outbreak to assist performing artists whose income has been impacted by show cancellations, slowing ticket sales, and/or low turnout during this pandemic. We are coming together as a community to lift each other up, and ensure we all make it through this together. Emergency Funds can be requested by any Cabaret, Drag, Burlesque, Theater, or performance artists facing a financial hardship caused by COVID-19.

30Amp Circuit COVID-19 Relief Fund
This fund will help local Philadelphia artists and musicians with $1000 cost of living grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
If you are out of work without pay, you are eligible to receive food sourced from the state and federal government from a food bank or food pantry in Pennsylvania. This includes service workers who are unable to get shifts or hourly wage employees of non-essential businesses that have voluntarily closed due to COVID-19 mitigation.

PGH Artists Emergency Fund
This fundraiser is hosted by a group of artists and community organizers based in Pittsburgh responding to the urgent need of our friends and community who have been put in compromised positions due to the cancellation of entire tours, all of their gigs, and jobs in the nightlife and events industry. The fund provides payments of up to $250 per artist, to help abet the costs due to canceled gigs and jobs. This can go towards helping people pay their rent, pay their bills, purchase food and other essentials.

PHL COVID-19 FUND
The PHL COVID-19 Fund will provide grants to Greater Philadelphia organizations with a successful track record of serving at-risk populations such as the seniors, people with disabilities, and those who are experiencing homeless or are economically disadvantaged, in order to continue community safety nets such as food pantries and health services, and help with preparedness and protection such as hygiene supplies, access to accurate current information, and available services.

Pittsburgh Arts Council Emergency Fund for Artists
The Emergency Fund for Artists will now provide up to $500 in assistance to artists in the Greater Pittsburgh area experiencing loss of income due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Emergency Fund also remains available for other unforeseen emergencies that may impact your ability to work, such as flood, theft, or fire.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Washington, D.C.’s DC Act 23-247
Recently passed by the D.C. council, this legislation provides that nonprofits and self-employed individuals not eligible for unemployment compensation could apply to the Mayor for a grant if they suffer “financial distress caused by a reduction in business revenue due to the circumstances giving rise to or resulting from the public health emergency.” Grant money could be used to continue employee wages and benefits, pay operating costs (including taxes and debt service) or repay loans obtained through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals could use the grants to continue to pay themselves for revenue lost as a result of theatre shutdowns due to the coronavirus."

United Way of the National Capital Area
If you or someone you know needs emergency assistance, contact 2-1-1. 2-1-1 is a non-emergency telephone number. This free service helps individuals and families access emergency services in their local community. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Jose Andres Community Kitchens
In response to the increased risk of the COVID-19 coronavirus and to help encourage social distancing to stop its spread, all Jose Andres owned restaurants in the Washington, D.C., and New York City areas are temporarily closed. However, the company has repurposed most of them as “community kitchens” with affordable plates of the day available for takeout purchase.

Free Meals for Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia Kids
Several meal sites have been announced in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, where students who rely on school lunches can receive food while schools are closed during the coronavirus crisis.

Maryland Extension of Business Tax Filing Deadlines
The Comptroller of Maryland has extended business tax filing deadlines to June 1 for some businesses with March, April and May due dates.

Mutual Aid Project
The D.C.-based arts platform and network is assisting black and non-white Trans and gender-expansive artists by offering a “voluntary exchange of services and resources.” With musicians and other artists continuing to lose gigs during the pandemic, the organization is building an artist directory to showcase the work of those affected. Once the directory is complete, the organization will extend a "call to action" to the larger community for support.

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.

NEW MUSIC SOLIDARITY FUND
The New Music Solidarity Fund is designed to help new/creative/improvised music freelancers whose livelihood has been threatened as a result of performances which have been canceled during the COVID-19 crisis.

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.

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

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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.

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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. 

GRAMMYs

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