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Friday, September 25, 2020
Artist Relief Fund Raises Nearly $20 Million
The New York Times: The Artist Relief fund, a national coalition of arts grantmakers that distributes $5,000 grants to creative professionals affected by the coronavirus pandemic, has awarded $13.5 million to 2,700 individuals since April.
When I first started reading this article, I made the assumption that these grants were being awarded as a means for artists to continue their art. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they're being distributed in order to help support these artist's livelihoods, something that is of even greater concern than the art itself. In many communities, I've seen a multitude of mutual aid funds set up to assist people who have had no way of supporting themselves since March, but this is the first time I've seen something as large as the Mellon Foundation weigh in on financial relief like this. I can only hope that this action sets a precedent for other large foundations to invest in the livelihoods of those who have been strongly affected by the pandemic as well, but that remains to be seen.
Why are relief funds only ever focused on particular Artists? Yes, actors and designers are out of work and yes there are numerous artists struggling right now, but what about all of the technicians that are currently unemployed? One of the criteria is that you have to be able to demonstrate a sustained commitment to your work, career, and a public audience. People who currently are independent contractors who are not full union members don’t fall into this category. People throw money to groups who distribute funds to actors and musicians, but what about the rest of us? Why are we an afterthought or not even thought about at all? None of these actors would have a stage or set to perform on without all of these technicians yet we aren’t even thought about when it comes time to getting relief funds. We struggle as much as others and are in need to cover rent, food, and bills. All we want is some help as well.
(Chloe Cohen) I find it incredibly disheartening that those who operate and act as physical labor to keep theatre going are not included applicants for this fund. Are ushers, board operators, stage managers, dressers, etc. not in the same dire financial situation? If not more so? Any work that artists and designers are creating right now is in virtual form. There are no job opportunities for these workers. It’s very inconsiderate that their needs are not being accounted for, and I’m incredibly disappointed about that. However, it’s nice to see that measures are being taken to ensure that underprivileged communities are being prioritized by the fund. The numbers could be higher, but it’s a good place to start. Lastly, I can’t put into words how frightening it is that over 130,000 people have applied for the fund. It’s very sad.
It’s nice hearing something a little positive in the midst of all everything that’s happening with the pandemic. Especially that it involves something good for artists who have seen probably the biggest hit. I also like how they have focused on giving the relief grants to minority groups who are generally more impacted by COVID. It’s also nice to see that this money isn’t just given to them for a commission or work, but rather just to support their most basic needs like rent, food, etc. I do agree with some of the others that it sucks that it seems like the relief money is only directed towards performers and designers, and like many other things, glance over all the other people behind the scene. It would be better if the government could actually step up and support the common people rather than rely of everyone to take care of themselves. It would take so little of the military budget to ease so much of the hurt of poverty and yet we just can’t seem to do that.
4 comments:
When I first started reading this article, I made the assumption that these grants were being awarded as a means for artists to continue their art. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they're being distributed in order to help support these artist's livelihoods, something that is of even greater concern than the art itself. In many communities, I've seen a multitude of mutual aid funds set up to assist people who have had no way of supporting themselves since March, but this is the first time I've seen something as large as the Mellon Foundation weigh in on financial relief like this. I can only hope that this action sets a precedent for other large foundations to invest in the livelihoods of those who have been strongly affected by the pandemic as well, but that remains to be seen.
Why are relief funds only ever focused on particular Artists? Yes, actors and designers are out of work and yes there are numerous artists struggling right now, but what about all of the technicians that are currently unemployed? One of the criteria is that you have to be able to demonstrate a sustained commitment to your work, career, and a public audience. People who currently are independent contractors who are not full union members don’t fall into this category. People throw money to groups who distribute funds to actors and musicians, but what about the rest of us? Why are we an afterthought or not even thought about at all? None of these actors would have a stage or set to perform on without all of these technicians yet we aren’t even thought about when it comes time to getting relief funds. We struggle as much as others and are in need to cover rent, food, and bills. All we want is some help as well.
(Chloe Cohen) I find it incredibly disheartening that those who operate and act as physical labor to keep theatre going are not included applicants for this fund. Are ushers, board operators, stage managers, dressers, etc. not in the same dire financial situation? If not more so? Any work that artists and designers are creating right now is in virtual form. There are no job opportunities for these workers. It’s very inconsiderate that their needs are not being accounted for, and I’m incredibly disappointed about that. However, it’s nice to see that measures are being taken to ensure that underprivileged communities are being prioritized by the fund. The numbers could be higher, but it’s a good place to start. Lastly, I can’t put into words how frightening it is that over 130,000 people have applied for the fund. It’s very sad.
It’s nice hearing something a little positive in the midst of all everything that’s happening with the pandemic. Especially that it involves something good for artists who have seen probably the biggest hit. I also like how they have focused on giving the relief grants to minority groups who are generally more impacted by COVID. It’s also nice to see that this money isn’t just given to them for a commission or work, but rather just to support their most basic needs like rent, food, etc. I do agree with some of the others that it sucks that it seems like the relief money is only directed towards performers and designers, and like many other things, glance over all the other people behind the scene. It would be better if the government could actually step up and support the common people rather than rely of everyone to take care of themselves. It would take so little of the military budget to ease so much of the hurt of poverty and yet we just can’t seem to do that.
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