COVID-19 News & Resources
Californians and people around the world are feeling the weight and ripple effects of the public health crisis surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We know the arts and culture fields are particularly vulnerable to the economic repercussions of the emergency.
The California Arts Council has created a COVID-19 resource page, including emergency funding opportunities, emergency preparedness best practices, and webinars featuring arts leaders and artists from the national arts community. The COVID-19 emergency has highlighted the power of collaboration within the arts community at every level, and this list showcases that network.
To make sure you are up to date with our latest news and information, be sure to subscribe to our ArtBeat e-newsletter.
Latest News:
CERF+ COVID-19 Fourth Cycle Relief Grants Due August 31
August 2021
CERF+ the Artists Safety Net provides $1,000 to artists working in craft disciplines who are facing dire circumstances due to food, housing, and/or medical insecurities as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Fourth cycle applications are due August 31, 2021. Learn more at https://cerfplus.org/cerf-covid-19-relief-grant.
Apply Now for an American Rescue Plan Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and local arts agencies are encouraged to apply for this funding regardless of whether they have received NEA funding in the past. Local arts agencies applications due July 22, 2021. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations due August 12. Learn more about this funding opportunity at arts.gov/arp-grants.
Official State COVID – 19 Guidance: Outdoor Seated Live Events and Performances
California has released several updates to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy reopening framework with a focus on activities that can be conducted outdoors with consistent masking, two factors that are scientifically shown to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Activities are allowed based on local conditions, and each county is assigned to a COVID-19 risk-level tier. Beginning April 1, 2021, follow this guidance for outdoor live events, entertainment, and performances with seated audiences. Learn more in the guidance document here.
U.S. Small Business Association – Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
Emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic. As the SBA works on building the application platform, it would be in your best interest to register for a DUNS number and then register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Also, gather documents that demonstrate your number of employees and monthly revenues so you can calculate the average number of qualifying employees you had over the prior 12 months. Lastly, determine the extent of gross earned revenue loss you experienced between 2019 and 2020. This and additional information such as floor plans, contract copies and other evidence will be needed to apply for an SVOG. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant
$500M in COVID Relief Grants for Small Businesses
December 30, 2020
Governor Newsom announced the creation of a $500 million COVID Relief Grant, administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Grants of up to $25,000 will be made available to underserved micro and small businesses, nonprofits, and cultural institutions throughout the state. CAReliefGrant.com.
Local Arts Agency Federal CARES Funding Programs
December 10, 2020
The California Arts Council voted unanimously to distribute the $710,400 of State Arts Agency CARES Act funding awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts to the Arts Council’s State-Local Partner grantees on an opt-in basis. Learn more about each county arts agency CARES funding program here.
Announcing the California Relief Fund for Artists and Cultural Practitioners
July 22, 2020
The new California Arts Council relief program offers unrestricted $1,000 grants for individuals in California impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly $1 million investment will support more than 900 individuals. Learn more in our announcement.
California Arts Council Community Listening Sessions: 2020-21 Grant Programs & COVID-19
July 21, 2020
The California Arts Council held four live listening sessions on Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9 to help inform upcoming Council discussions and decisions regarding grant policies and programs for 2020-21, addressing the economic impact of COVID-19 on California’s creative communities. Read the summary report and listen to the audio from each session here.
California Arts Council Awards Federal CARES Funding to Local Arts Agencies
May 12, 2020
State-Local Partners will regrant funds to arts organizations serving socially vulnerable populations within their communities. Learn more here.
Federal CARES Funding Allocation to California Arts Council
April 28, 2020
The National Endowment for the Arts awarded 40 percent of their CARES appropriation directly to state and regional arts agencies. The California Arts Council received $710,400 to be re-granted to California recipients. Appointed members of the California Arts Council will discuss the process for awarding these re-granting funds at a public council meeting on Friday, May 8. Meeting information will be posted at this link.
Early Data on State’s Economic Downturn Shows Arts Among Greatest Impacted Sectors
April 24, 2020
The new job loss assessment was published by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Details in our latest press release.
State & Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Impacted Individuals & Businesses
April 16, 2020
Federal and state aid are now available to organizations and individuals within California’s creative field impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about the assistance programs and services provided here.
National Endowment for the Arts CARES Act Funding Guidelines Announcement
April 8, 2020
The National Endowment for the Arts announced its guidelines to swiftly distribute funding to nonprofit arts organizations from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to preserve jobs and help support organizations forced to close operations due to the spread of COVID-19. Applicants must submit to grants.gov by April 22, 2020 and complete their applicant portal submission by May 4, 2020 by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time. Read the full announcement here.
COVID-19 California Arts & Culture Sector Early Impact Survey Results
March 30, 2020
California’s individual artists and arts organizations helped to gather early data on the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency, including revenue and income loss estimates, activities impact and benefits access data. Read the summary here.
A Message from the Executive Director and Council Chair
March 19, 2020
We’re all in this together. Our Executive Director and Chair have a new message for California’s arts and culture field as we face the COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health crisis, including important updates on our operations. Get the information here.
COVID-19 Statement for California Arts Council Grantees and the Arts Field in California
March 12, 2020
The California Arts Council has issued an official statement regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, including guidance for grantees and contractors with upcoming events and a field-wide survey for affected artists and arts organizations in the state. Read the full statement here.
WWW.COVID19.CA.GOV
The Governor’s Office has launched a new comprehensive, consumer-friendly website that highlights critical steps people can take to stay healthy and resources available to Californians impacted by the outbreak, including paid sick leave and unemployment assistance. Visit www.covid19.ca.gov now.
Resources:
Official State COVID-19 Guidance: Outdoor Seated Live Events and Performances
Guidance document designed to address sectors and activities opening statewide.
California’s Resilience Roadmap
State-issued guidance for reopening workplaces.
National Endowment for the Arts
The Road Forward: Best practices tip sheet for arts organizations re-engaging with audiences or visitors.
Reopening the Cultural Sector in U.S. Cities,
Industry-specific guidance from Bloomberg Philanthropies on reopening cultural, community or entertainment venues.
Roadmap for Recovery and Resilience for Theater
An ongoing study and collaboration between the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University and the Healthy Buildings Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on how to reopen theater spaces as safely as possible.
American Alliance for Museums Considerations for Museum Reopenings
Guidance and considerations for museum reopenings.
Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide
The Reopening Guide addresses health and sanitary issues that event and venue professionals need to consider in order to protect both patrons and workers.
The Center for Cultural Power
No Going Back: A COVID-19 Cultural Strategy Activation Guide for Artists and Activists.
Dance USA
Task Force on Dancer Health: Return to Dancing and Training Considerations Due to COVID-19.
WolfBrown
Audience Lookout Monitor: An international collaboration between top researchers, funders, service organizations, and hundreds of cultural organizations who want to make informed decisions about how and when to re-start programming based on rigorous research data.
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts announced its guidelines to swiftly distribute funding to nonprofit arts organizations from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to preserve jobs and help support organizations forced to close operations due to the spread of COVID-19. Applicants must submit to grants.gov by April 22, 2020 and complete their applicant portal submission by May 4, 2020 by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time.
National Endowment for the Humanities – NEH Cares
Cultural Organizations emergency relief grants provide up to $300,000 to cultural nonprofits to support a range of humanities activities across the fields of education, preservation and access, public programming, digital humanities, and scholarly research through December 31, 2020. Funding may be used for short-term activities that emphasize retaining or hiring humanities staff at cultural organizations across the country to maintain or adapt critical programs during the pandemic. The deadline to apply is May 11, 2020.
WESTAF CARES Relief Fund for Organizations
In response to the hardship arts and culture organizations continue to face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WESTAF CARES Relief Fund program offers general operating support to some of the most impacted arts organizations in the region. Awards of up to $20,000 will be made to organizations across the WESTAF 13-state region with at least one grant awarded per state. Organizations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
California Humanities CA CARES: Humanities Relief and Recovery Grants
California Humanities relief and recovery grants aim to provide support to organizations that have experienced the cancellation of their public humanities activities due to a decrease or loss of revenue, programming opportunities, loss of paid staff, or venues as a result of COVID-19, as well as to humanities practitioners who are facing financial hardship.
CERF+ COVID-19 Relief Grant
Provides $1,000 to artists working in craft disciplines who are facing dire circumstances due to food, housing, and/or medical insecurities as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Fourth cycle applications are due August 31, 2021.
Apply Now for an American Rescue Plan Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and local arts agencies are encouraged to apply for this funding regardless of whether they have received NEA funding in the past. Local arts agencies applications due July 22, 2021. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations due August 12.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants
California is providing one-time state-funded disaster relief assistance to undocumented adults who are ineligible for other forms of assistance. The California Department of Social Services has selected twelve nonprofit organizations to help individuals apply for and receive this disaster relief assistance in their region. An undocumented adult who qualifies can receive $500 in direct assistance, with a maximum of $1000 in assistance per household.
Arts Administrators of Color Network Arts and Culture Leaders of Color
Up to $200 to help those pursuing careers as artists or arts administrators whose income has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants for Visual and Performing Artists
Urgent funding for visual and performing artists who incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects close to completion with committed exhibition or performance dates.
East Bay/Oakland Relief Fund for Individuals in the Arts
Relief grants up to $2,000 to help the various and diverse cultural communities of artists, teaching artists, culture bearers, and nonprofit arts workers who comprise Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, with dedicated support for those in the City of Oakland.
LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund
Emergency relief grants up to $30,000 for Los Angeles County-based arts nonprofits to maintain essential functions and retain core staff through the COVID-19 crisis.
Desert X Artist Relief Fund
One-time unrestricted emergency relief cash grants up to $1,000 for Southern California artists, including the Coachella Valley and desert environs, who have been directly impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund
Emergency relief grants up to $500 for queer writers of color who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis.
PEN America Writer’s Emergency Fund
Small grants for professional writers in acute or unexpected financial crisis.
CERF+ – CERF+ Emergency Assistance
Supporting intensive care, focused on those infected with the COVID-19 that require intensive medical care.
Author’s League Fund
Helps professional authors, journalists, poets, and dramatists who find themselves in financial need because of medical or health-related problems, temporary loss of income, or other misfortune.
MusiCares
Short-term financial assistance for musicians’ personal needs that have arisen due to unforeseen circumstances.
Musicians Foundation
Financial assistance to professionals in the music industry.
The Actors Fund
Free and confidential assistance nationally to everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment.
Artist Relief
Unrestricted $5,000 grants for practicing artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19.
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Actos de Confianza Micro-Grants
$500 micro-grants to provide Latinx artists and arts administrators with short-term emergency financial assistance to compensate for loss of income due to the cancellation of an event, engagement, project or employment.
Critical Minded COVID-19 Relief Grants
Unrestricted relief grants of $500 for cultural critics from underrepresented communities experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Jazz Road Quick Assist Fund
$1,000 grants available for freelance jazz musicians impacted by COVID-19 to offset lost income due to cancelled events in March, April, and May 2020.
Rauschenberg Emergency Grants
One-time cash grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses caused by one-time, unexpected medical emergencies.
Americans for the Arts Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource and Response Center
Closely monitoring recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal and D.C. governments as developments evolve.
Artspace Consulting Pro Bono Services in Response to COVID-19
Artspace Consulting is providing up to two hours of free consultations and technical support to any arts and culture organization or municipality as a response to the mounting effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Californians for the Arts COVID-19 Resources
Tracks in one place the Federal, State and Local news that impacts the entire arts sector.
National Endowment for the Arts COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations
A lengthy list of arts service organizations providing frequently updated news and resources for artists and arts organizations.
Arts Education Partnership COVID-19 Partner Resources
A collection of information from leaders in the arts education field related to shifting operations to online platforms for telework situations, serving their constituents in new ways and caring for their employees.
California Lawyers for the Arts Emergency Resources
A list of resources for artists and arts organizations on behalf of the arts community.
DeVos Institute of Arts Management Pro Bono Consultation for U.S. Arts Organizations
Rapid response support for American arts and culture non-profits in wake of pandemic.
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures COVID-19 Resource Directory
A sortable spreadsheet with numerous categories, including emergency funding, statements from the field, and social media groups for arts organizations and individual artists.
ArtsReady
An online emergency preparedness service with a number of COVID-19 preparedness resources from across the arts and culture sector.
Freelance Artist Resources
An aggregated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to individual artists of all disciplines.
U.S. Department of Arts and Culture Community Care in the Time of Coronavirus
A diverse resource list for addressing social justice as it pertains to the nation’s reaction to the COVID-19 emergency.
HowlRound Artists in a Time of Global Pandemic webinar
Focused on shared resources (legal, advocacy, how to take your work virtual, finding emergency funding, and financial best practices in crisis) and building and grounding our national community for US-based freelance artists and cultural workers in all disciplines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources for Large Community Events & Mass Gatherings Best practices for organizations to follow when hosting large-scale events and meetings once social distancing and quarantine orders are lifted across the nation. LEARN MORE
National Endowment for the Arts Resources to Help Ensure Accessibility of Your Virtual Events for People with Disabilities Tips for creating an inclusive experience for your virtual and digital events. LEARN MORE
HowlRound Webinar: Ways of Gathering in the Age of COVID-19 A resource for going digital with theatre and performance events. LEARN MORE
Event Safety Alliance Even Safety Guide Assists organizations with their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE
CMX Tips, Tools, and Examples for Event Organizers During the Coronavirus Outbreak A list of the best tips, tools, and examples from the CMX community and other conference organizers about what to do after canceling events due to the COVID-19 emergency and how to keep your community engaged over the next several months. LEARN MORE
Capacity Interactive Digital Marketing Recommendations for our Arts Community During COVID-19 Outbreak How arts organizations can respond to COVID-19 from a digital marketing perspective and continue to play an important role in audiences’ lives. LEARN MORE
North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents An FAQ regarding cancelled events to address COVID-19 and its impact on the performing arts field. LEARN MORE
Springboard for the Arts Principles for Ethical Cancellation A resource to help encourage businesses and organizations to help mitigate the impact of canceling or postponing events on artists, freelancers and contractors. LEARN MORE
Theatre Communications Group Coronavirus Preparedness webinar A holistic take on preparedness for theatres, including general preparedness strategies; how to forecast budget shifts should productions be cancelled; how to navigate insurance; and how the theatre field might take collective action to weather this crisis. LEARN MORE
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Webinar: How Philanthropy Can Respond discussion of the role philanthropy can play during pandemics, including advocacy, sharing accurate messaging, and funding preparedness, response and mitigation. LEARN MORE
Lyrasis Crisis Communication and Reputation Management for Performing Arts Organizations Reviews elements of strategic communication that are essential before, during, and after crisis events. LEARN MORE
Nonprofit HR Coronavirus & Your Social Impact Workforce webinar A resource for presentation materials for your upcoming staff meeting about the coronavirus. LEARN MORE
Americans for the Arts Arts & Culture Sector and the Coronavirus webinar For Local arts agencies and arts and culture organizations to consider their preparedness, prevention, and response to the pandemic. LEARN MORE
The Event Safety Alliance Prepare Your Organization for the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak webinar A look at this public health crisis from two distinct perspectives: Infectious Disease Business Continuity Planning and Crisis Management. LEARN MORE
The League of American Orchestras Coronavirus Resources Examples of sample audience communications as well as other readiness recommendations. LEARN MORE
American Alliance of Museums COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources & Information for the Museum Field Advice applicable to museums and other cultural venues in the face of the pandemic. Casinos venues re opening details can be found on this website. LEARN MORE
California Department of Public Health
Official guidelines from the state of California for making decisions regarding public events and programming.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources for Large Community Events & Mass Gatherings
Best practices for organizations to follow when hosting large-scale events and meetings once social distancing and quarantine orders are lifted across the nation.
National Endowment for the Arts Resources to Help Ensure Accessibility of Your Virtual Events for People with Disabilities
Tips for creating an inclusive experience for your virtual and digital events.
HowlRound Webinar: Ways of Gathering in the Age of COVID-19
A resource for going digital with theatre and performance events.
Event Safety Alliance Even Safety Guide
Assists organizations with their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CMX Tips, Tools, and Examples for Event Organizers During the Coronavirus Outbreak
A list of the best tips, tools, and examples from the CMX community and other conference organizers about what to do after canceling events due to the COVID-19 emergency and how to keep your community engaged over the next several months.
Capacity Interactive Digital Marketing Recommendations for our Arts Community During COVID-19 Outbreak
How arts organizations can respond to COVID-19 from a digital marketing perspective and continue to play an important role in audiences’ lives.
North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents
An FAQ regarding cancelled events to address COVID-19 and its impact on the performing arts field.
Springboard for the Arts Principles for Ethical Cancellation
A resource to help encourage businesses and organizations to help mitigate the impact of canceling or postponing events on artists, freelancers and contractors.
Theatre Communications Group Coronavirus Preparedness webinar
A holistic take on preparedness for theatres, including general preparedness strategies; how to forecast budget shifts should productions be cancelled; how to navigate insurance; and how the theatre field might take collective action to weather this crisis.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Webinar: How Philanthropy Can Respond
discussion of the role philanthropy can play during pandemics, including advocacy, sharing accurate messaging, and funding preparedness, response and mitigation.
Lyrasis Crisis Communication and Reputation Management for Performing Arts Organizations
Reviews elements of strategic communication that are essential before, during, and after crisis events.
Nonprofit HR Coronavirus & Your Social Impact Workforce webinar
A resource for presentation materials for your upcoming staff meeting about the coronavirus.
Americans for the Arts Arts & Culture Sector and the Coronavirus webinar
For Local arts agencies and arts and culture organizations to consider their preparedness, prevention, and response to the pandemic.
The Event Safety Alliance Prepare Your Organization for the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak webinar
A look at this public health crisis from two distinct perspectives: Infectious Disease Business Continuity Planning and Crisis Management.
The League of American Orchestras Coronavirus Resources
Examples of sample audience communications as well as other readiness recommendations.
American Alliance of Museums COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources & Information for the Museum Field
Advice applicable to museums and other cultural venues in the face of the pandemic.
Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant
Governor Newsom and the Legislature announced a package of assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including $500 million in grants.
U.S. Small Business Administration Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, the Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program, the Paycheck Protection Program, and guidance for small businesses and employers.
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Information for employers, employees and all Californians as it relates to the cornonavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019.
CalNonprofits COVID-19 Resources for California’s Nonprofits
Advocacy and support, funding opportunities, plus federal, state and other resources for the nonprofit sector.
Small Business Majority COVID-19 Daily Updates for Small Businesses
Relevant tips, resources and information on new funding opportunities, policy developments and more.
California Association for Local Economic Development Resources for the novel Coronavirus and COVID-19
Federal, state, and local resources that provide guidance as well as examples of what communities are doing to help their local businesses.
Nonprofit Quarterly: How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19
Tim Delaney, president & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, shares insights about how nonprofits might utilize the new federal legislation relating to coronavirus to advance their missions.
Microsoft Community Skills Program
Investing in up to 50 organizations that provide digital skills and workforce development to accelerate the skilling of Black and African American job seekers. Apply by September 30, 2020.
Arts Administrators of Color Network Facebook
For sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns for arts administrators who identify as BIPOC.
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures offers a Latinx Artists & Cultural Workers Facebook group
For artists, arts administrators, culture bearers, activists, educators, scholars, and advocates for the Latinx arts and culture field.
COVID-19: Prepare, Mitigate, Recover
An online community platform created by the Theatre Communications Group designed to connect theatre and focused on sharing resources to prepare for, mitigate, and recover from the COVID-19 outbreak.
Pair Up
A place for creatives to find and offer their time to others with the goal of sharing, learning and problem solving with each other.
