5 Online Resources for the Arts (and Artists) during COVID-19
The Coronavirus pandemic has substantially affected all aspects of our world, including the arts and cultural heritage (GLAM) space. This worldwide health emergency and the uncertainty arising from COVID-19 have significantly influenced both art organizations and the artists.
The arts and culture segment endeavored to maintain its mission and keep up the safety of their artists and general society, while responding to the surprising change in plans because of the coronavirus.
However, by March 2020, most social organizations had been closed (or possibly with their administrations profoundly shortened), with shows, events, and exhibitions canceled or delayed.
Most organizations also tried to keep up fundamental activities with insignificant assets and document the events themselves through new acquisitions.
Unfortunately, despite the intensive effort, the arts and cultural heritage sectors were not ready for the pandemic. According to the Americans For The Arts survey, the percent of organizations that have canceled events equals 96% with over 30 million lost attendants.
That said, there are over five million Americans who make their livelihoods in the broader arts and cultural sector across the country and are potentially at risk.
However, it’s not all bad news.
“While there is nothing like the intense experience of a live performance, thanks to a wide range of available digital platforms, art is just a few clicks away. What’s more, there is a lot of proof to show that art and culture add to our prosperity, peacefulness, motivation, scholarly incitement, and flexibility in confronting difficulties” – shares Jason Crawford, Head of Data Research and Content Marketing at Linksmanagement.
But we can’t deny how Humankind is confronting one of its greatest crises. And besides health and monetary arrangements, cultural policies are indispensable if we wish to merge as more firm and resilient societies that are empathic to different cultures.
Although artists have already adapted to the changing circumstances and won over the online space, no one can predict the challenges in the upcoming months. Many artists are outsourcing their tasks and moving their work to the Internet.
For example, the number of orders for retouching and photo processing increased during the quarantine period by 31.5% according to Photoretouchingservices.net. Now, more than ever, it’s important to offer support to the art sector. That is why emergency measures have been taken to prevent collapse and offer relief resources and opportunities to support artists and organizations during COVID.
Supporting the Arts during COVID-19
As COVID-19 spreads through the nation, an ever-increasing number of urban areas are going into lockdown, cutting off events. As a result, artists and arts workers have no means to produce an income. Bills that have been passed with an end goal to lighten the effects of the emergency don’t cover the many small arts organizations and freelancers.
Thus, everyone engaged in the arts field is looking for advice and tips for their upcoming events. We have put together a list of useful resources that in one way or another will benefit artists and art entrepreneurs during COVID-19.
1. National financial assistance or emergency relief funds
Because of the broad money related disruption over all zones of the economy, governments announced fiscal stimulus and economic bailout packages.
This includes assets for the cultural and arts sector. Thus, Artist Relief, which is a union of national arts grant makers, has met up to create a crisis initiative to offer monetary and informational resources to specialists over the United States.
You can apply here.
2. Webinars, Consulting and Virtual Discussions
Today, webinars have become very popular as a new and very convenient way to communicate with other people and gain knowledge. People from all over the world who make money online have already appreciated all the delights of webinars and their benefits.
The same goes for artists.
Such webinars as CAM Creative Corps, for example, support artists and organizations during COVID by helping pivot to online programming and remote learning opportunities.
3. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The NEA Americans participating in the arts, and expressing their creative capabilities. They partner with different art agencies, community leaders and creative spaces supporting a diverse cultural heritage and arts.
The National Endowment for the Arts is continuously granting awards and funds for organizations, individuals and partnerships. They also list a variety of resources for artists and art organizations during COVID-19.
4. Artist Emergency Support and Safety Organizations
Charitable organizations established for defending artists’ occupations across the country have been working even before the pandemic time. In any case, their services are more significant than at any other time in recent memory.
Safety organizations like NCAPER and CERF+ guarantee that artists have the capacity to respond viably to disasters and emergencies impacting the arts and culture area.
5. Emergency grants for artists
Of course, artists have adapted by bringing their practices online. However, if your financial wellbeing is teetering on the brink, multi-disciplinary programs offer immediate help to artists.
Such financial support organizations as Artists’ Charitable Fund, Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, or Haven Foundation provide financial assistance to artists and arts/cultural organizations to pre-empt problems before exacerbation.
The Bottom Line
We cannot deny the importance of social distancing and lockdowns, as these are the actions needed to safeguard our health. However, these methods have backfired, leaving thousands of artists unsettled and jobless.
Although we are still not fully aware of the financial backwash, countries have already united in their effort to support artists and organizations during COVID-19.
Monetary assistance from governments and charities provides various levels of support depending on the sector and the country. From national financial support to webinars and consulting, the society is doing its utmost to make sure we return to the vibrant cultural life post coronavirus.
Author: Marie Barnes
Marie Barnes is a writer for gearyoda. She is an enthusiastic blogger interested in writing about technology, social media, work, travel, lifestyle, and current affairs. Follow her on Medium.
