COVID-19 + Artists Grants

In the US, thousands of individuals working in galleries and museums are being furloughed, or have lost their jobs entirely. The Guggenheim alone is estimating that more than 100 million will be needed to get back to an even keel. The latest stimulus package which will certainly bail out Wall Street Firms and top GOP donors who do not pay taxes, only allotted 125 million to the arts throughout the entire country, as conservatives lamented any funding having gone to the “liberal elites”. Conversely the German government has issued 54 billion to their arts communities.

The shortsightedness of those complaining about any assistance for artists and the multitude of supporting festivals, fairs, art-walks, county fairs, performers, caterers, shipping and handling companies, security firms, storage facilities, dealers, museums, gallery owners, advisors, writers, art publications, will certainly, hopefully come to light soon.

Today the sympathy of a more enlightened community, appreciative of the role of arts and the wide reaching economic implications is critical to the survival of artists and the country’s most coveted institutions. Grants for artists are an example of this. Many are needs based which will help artists of all disciplines and stages of career.

The COVID-19 Grant just announced by the Community Engagement 501c based in Orange County, CA is a great example of such a grant. Awarded to artists of any medium on a first-come first-served basis. Artwork of artists will also be included in a future on-line exhibition to be titled “100 Artists Look at COVID-19”.

Various art fairs such as stARTup and Superfine are also hosting online art fairs in lieu of hosting physical fairs through the country.