COVID-19 Resources for artists

UPDATED 4/8/2020

As the global response to COVID-19 intensifies and our world is turned upside down, many workers in the creative sector are finding it harder and harder to get by. Many are scrambling to balance their health and safety with paying the bills. Creatives are often hit hardest during uncertain times, and the recent pandemic is no exception. Thankfully, the financial difficulties artists are facing have been recognized. A rapidly growing group of organizations is mobilizing resources for artists affected by COVID-19.

Quad City Arts is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. We have been putting together a list of resources for regional artists.

• Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Resource Center
• COVID-19 & Freelance Artists
• The Writer's Emergency Fund
• Creative Capital: List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Nonprofit Quarterly:  How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19
• Quad Cities Chamber COVID-19 Resources and Updates
• Artist Relief:  Today, a consortium of funders announced the creation of the Artist Relief Fund, a $10 million national emergency relief fund for artists and creative workers that will provide $5,000 no-strings-attached grants. It is intended for anyone who earns income from their creative or artistic practice and who has also been affected by COVID-19.

Unemployment: The CARES Act has expanded unemployment eligibility. 

• Iowa
• Illinois

Illinois Artist Relief Grant:
Illinois Artist Relief: Grants for Illinois Artists for $1,500. The application portal will close on Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00pm CST.

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If you would like to add more resources to our listing, please email our staff.

This post contains information and links to resources for artists impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions, please contact a professional, whether that be an attorney, banker, or someone with these organizations. We at Quad City Arts are not legal experts therefore none of this should be taken as legal advice.