The economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis is being felt globally, and especially here at home for actors, musicians, singers and those in related and support roles. The response to the crisis by various unions and entities is encouraging, especially as closures may continue longer than expected. Here are some financial aid activities underway. Check your resources to see what may be available to you.
The Artist Relief Tree fund is set up to collect donations to help support artists, particularly freelance artists, in a small way. The fund seeks to provide hope, make a small difference, and show solidarity with colleagues and friends. Visit https://artistrelieftree.com
The Actors’ Equity Association launched a letter-writing campaign urging Congress to take emergency action for those working in the theater industry.
The Dramatists Guild has called for governmental relief for writers, performers and theaters. “We expect and demand a governmental response that provides sufficient public assistance in proportion to the damage being wrought.” the Guild stated in its statement. The Dramatists Guild Foundation will continue to process emergency grants for individual playwrights, composers, lyricists, and bookwriters in need of funds due to hardship or illness. To learn more about emergency grants, visit DGF.org.
The Indie Theater Fund will award rapid relief grants of up to $500 to support the indie and Off-Off-Broadway theatre community, prioritizing those working in houses of 99 seats or less and operating with budgets under $250,000. For more information, visit IndieTheaterFund.org.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is launching a $1 million fundraising campaign aimed at helping members of the entertainment community. The COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund will be administered by The Actors Fund. Broadway Cares will add $250,000 to begin the fund. The goal is to reach $1 million in online donations by April 12.
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