COVID-19 Resources
for the Artist Organizing Field
This list is for artists, arts organizers and creatives working across a range of disciplines.
This is an open, crowd-sourced list. Everyone is welcome to add and access content here. We ask that you do not remove other resources listed.
This document is kept up-to-date and facilitated by Common Field staff. If you see something out of date, please reach out to us at hello@commonfield.org and we’ll be sure to update this!
HOW-TO ADD CONTENT TO THIS DOCUMENT
Please add any resources or information with the following information and place it in the category best suited for it:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
These categories loosely organize the resources shared.They are subject to change and expand as more people add content.
Primary Resources
GENERAL: Resource Guides, How-To Documents, and Workshops primarily geared towards organizations and organizers
GRANTS AND FUNDS: National, regional and local grants providing emergency and responsive funds to organizations and artists alike
** Please note that these funds and grants have deadlines so please check links to see what is still available **
HEALTH: Latest health and pandemic information, downloadable signage
TECHNOLOGY: Tools for producing online events (including Zoom), digital safety, accessibility
TEACHING: Best practices, education guides
COMMUNICATION: Emergency strategies, templates
Discipline-Specific Resources
Critical Thinking
ESSAYS AND IDEAS
GENERAL
Resource Guides, How-To Documents, and Workshops primarily geared towards organizations and organizers
American Alliance of Museums Resource Guide
The American Alliance of Museum has compiled this guide to help museums prepare internally and externally for outbreaks in their communities. AAM will continue to monitor this evolving situation and update this guidance as needed. These recommendations are not to be taken as legal advice or a definitive answer for any particular museum, but rather as a guide for the preparedness for the field.
The Commonsense Guide to Coronavirus for Events and Conferences
National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response
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Arts Ready Alert - Preparing for the Potential Impact of Coronavirus
COVID-19 Resources from the New England Foundation for the Arts
Alliance of Artist Communities | COVID-19 Preparedness for Residencies
A comprehensive list of tips and tools and examples for event organizers during the coronavirus
National Performance Network (NPN) Resources
We are grateful to our peers whose expertise in emergency management are a guide for us in these uncertain times. Below we share links to resources others have created. We will continue to gather and update these resources on this page.
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources
CERF+ - Voluntary task force supplying temporary relief to artists.
Principles for Ethical Cancellation - Springboard for the Arts
Google Drive of resources for Remote Studio Instruction
Webinar + Slides - Event Safety Alliance - cfvgbhnjm,.
Artists, Culture Workers, Freelancers, Gig_Event Economy Losses Due to Covid-19 Cancellations
Arts Ready: Updated lists of COVID-19 resources for artists, managers/agents, funders, and arts organizations to help you operate within an unknown and constantly-changing environment managed by SouthArts, a member of the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (N-CAPER).
Art House Convergence: Field related COVID-19 resources for independent art house theaters, including template letters educating legislators about the impact of COVID-19 and value of economic relief and stimulus packages for the arts and cultural sector.
Native Arts and Cultures Foundation
The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is concerned for the welfare of everyone, and especially committed to the well-being of Native communities, artists and culture bearers. Native people in every community, town, and state across America have been affected by the pandemic due to the complete shutdown of life as we were accustomed to. We hope that these resources, while not all-encompassing, may help in identifying available support for artists and communities, as well as offer some insight and perspective during this critical period.
Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) Emergency Resources for Artists & Freelancers Guide
GYOPO: COVID 19 Response: Ways to Report (reporting Anti-Asian Racism), Toolkits, and Webinars
Black Girl Magik COVID-19 Global Resource Guide
The goal of this creation is to share resources, recommendations and leads that help us access funding, receive rooted information, experience relief, spark curiosity and overall elevate our connection to one another. It is our hope that this experience nourishes social bonding, relieves tension, diminishes emotional isolation and establishes a greater sense of trust - in each other.
Freelancers & Community Resources 2020
Extensive resources centered for artists and those impacted by gigs being canceled/postponed.
Campaigns to support:
List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak | Creative Capital
In times of crisis, artists are often among those most affected. In addition to health concerns, this is a challenging moment for many in our community as we deal with cancelled income and trying to make plans during uncertain times. Creative Capital has always been anchored by a rich spirit of community and mutual generosity, and we believe that continuing communication and exchange are crucial for all of us. As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, we have created a list of resources for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals. We will continue to update this list as the outbreak continues to affect the arts community.
Collective Care is our Best Weapon | Anarchist Agency
In hopes of helping folks find and join in a mutual aid effort where they live, offering inspiration to start your own, and/or simply lifting your spirits, below is a growing list of mutual aid pandemic disaster care, in alphabetical order (with the acknowledgment that place-names are a colonial imposition). Note: these links are all public; be wary of putting info on them that you don’t want to be public too. (Text by Cindy Milstein; compilation by Anarchist Agency + CM. To add to this list, please email us at anarchistagency@gmail.com).
Young Space “Distantly Connected” COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Art Workers
A living document for virtual exhibition spaces and opportunities, especially emphasizing those interrupted, cancelled or indefinitely postponed due to COVID-19, along with information on fundraisers and grants, remote teaching and admin resources, as well as additional social and developmental opportunities that have moved online, such as studio visits, reading groups, etc. Updated several times daily. Compiled by Kate Mothes, founder/curator of Young Space. To add to list, fill out form here: https://forms.gle/oVjFGbvyKpcP23gq8
The Vera List Center for Art and Politics COVID-19 Resource Toolkit
COVID-19 Mutual Aid & Advocacy Resources
Coronavirus Resource Kit - great list for political actions
List of Mutual Aid Projects Around USA and Canada (separated out by region)
GRANTS AND FUNDS
National, regional and local grants providing emergency and responsive funds to organizations and artists alike
National Funds
Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund (link to donate) - LINK TO APPLY
The Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund is intended to help those pursuing careers as artists or arts administrators whose income has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund is for those who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). We will disburse funds in the amount of US $200 per person, on a first-come-first-served basis. We will be accepting funds indefinitely.
The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) - Actos de Confianza
Latinx artists, cultural workers and arts organizations facing critical financial emergencies can apply for $2,500 artist grants and $5,000 organization grants.
Cycle 2 – Eastern US + Puerto Rico
Call Opens: March 3rd, 2021
Deadline to Apply: March 17, 2021 (closes 11:59PM CT)
Cycle 3 – Western US
Call Opens: April 28, 2021
Deadline to Apply: May 12, 2021 (closes 11:59PM CT)
DATE PASSED - Cycle 1 – Mid-America
Call Opens: January 13, 2021
Deadline to Apply: January 27, 2021 (closes 11:59PM CT)
Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants - COVID 19 F
Foundation for Contemporary Arts has operated the FCA Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund since March 2020. The COVID-19 Fund will disburse one-time $2,000 grants to eligible artists who have lost income from canceled performances or exhibitions because of the pandemic. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of artists.
The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000
Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation, Inc
Typically-$5,000 award to artists facing unexpected disasters.
Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants
$200-$2500 in funding for artists dealing with hardship or who incur unexpected expenses for projects close to completion date.
Actor's Fund Disability Support
Supportive services for entertainment professionals and their families when they are coping with a short- or long-term illness or disability.
Actor's Fund Funeral & Burial Assistance
For entertainment professionals
Actorʻs Fund Entertainment Assistance Program
When yo ccd u’re facing personal or work-related problems.
Gives grants, up to $3,000, for medical and allied living expenses in emergencies, and pay these debts on behalf of the musicians we help.
The Blues Foundationʻs HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust)
For Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns.
The PEN America Writers’ Emergency Fund
A small grants program for professionals—published or produced—writers in acute or unexpected financial crisis.
The Authors 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.
Due to the overwhelming requests for aid from the COVID-19 pandemic we are temporarily limiting relief and assistance applications to those qualified applicants who are dealing with IMMEDIATE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES and their aftermaths. (update as of 10/20/20) The Artists’ Fellowship provides emergency aid to professional fine artists and their families in times of sickness, natural disaster, bereavement or unexpected extreme hardship. Apply here
Lists other emergency funding organizations. Awards supporting artists and writers with families with up to $6,000 for residencies.
2020 Black Spatial Relics Micro Grants for Community Care and Collective Research
Currently closed as of 1/11/21 - In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Black artists have lost crucial financial support for their work. Nevertheless, Black artists and cultural workers are still offering critical artistic and spiritual content toward our collective healing. These 5 micro grants of $550.00 will support projects doing one or both of the following:communities in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
Joan Mitchell Foundation Emergency Grants for 2020
To help artists get back to work, the Joan Mitchell Foundation provides grants of up to $6,000 to US-based visual artists who have suffered significant physical losses after natural or man-made disasters. - During Covid 19, joined forces for Artists Relief.
Currently closed as of 1/11/21 - To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers came together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States.
The Haven - Assistance for artists facing career-threatening emergencies..
Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund
Closed as of 1/11/21 - This new grant provides monetary support to musicians who have lost income due to a canceled gig as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Currently closed as of 1/11/21 - The New Music Solidarity Fund is designed to help new/creative/improvised music freelancers whose livelihood has been threatened as a result of performances which have been canceled during the COVID-19 crisis. Applications accepted March 31-April 30.
Rbhu Gives Back - COVID-19 Artists Relief Program
Currently closed (1/11/21)
Kinkade Family Foundation (for curators) currently closed (as of 1/11/21)
Regional Funds
Northeast
ArtBridge COVID-19 Artist Relief Fund (NY)
Dancers Above Water Emergency Relief Fund (NY)
New England
Assets Artists (MA, RI, CT)
Boston Artist Relief Fund (MA)
Cambridge Artist Relief Fund (MA)
BridgeSong Fund: Emergency Relief for Western Mass BIPOC Musicians (MA)
Maine Visual Artist Emergency Grants/The Kindling Fund (ME)
Mid-Atlantic
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Emergency Fund (PA)
Erie Arts & Culture, Emergency Financial Assistance Fund (PA)
Wherewithal Recovery Grants (DC and inside the beltway VA & MD)
Midwest
Artists of Color Emergency Grants (IL)
Chicago Artist Relief Fund (IL)
Crosshatch Artist Emergency Fund (MI)
Indy Arts & Culture COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund (IN)
Iowa Arts & Culture Emergency Relief Fund (IA)
Springboard for the Arts Personal Emergency Relief Fund (MN)
Greater Columbus Arts Council Emergency Relief Funds (Franklin County, OH)
West
Artists Benevolence Fund (Laguna Beach, CA)
Imagine 2020 Artists Assistance Fund (Denver, CO)
Martha Kate Thomas Fund for Artists Grant, Boulder County Arts Alliance (CO)
Black Cube Open Call (CO) This open call is project-based.
Seattle Artist Relief Fund Amid COVID-19 (WA)
South West
Culture Connects Coalition Artist Relief Fund/Santa Fe (NM)
South
Artist Emergency Relief Fund, Greensboro (NC)
Durham Artist Relief Fund (NC)
North Carolina Artist Relief Fund (NC)
Orange County Arts Support Fund (NC)
New Orleans Business Alliance Relief Fund for Gig Workers (LA)
Tamarack Foundation for the Arts (WV)
Emergency Relief Programs - Alliance of Artist Communities
Lists other emergency funding organizations
Lists other emergency funding organizations
Sundance: Full list of resources for artists during COVID-19.
Film Festival Alliance: Ongoing virtual roundtable for festival staff navigating postponements and cancellations, join the next call or access recordings of previous meetings.
Growing List of Resources in Response to COVID-19 Artist Trust: Full list of resources for COVID-19.
HEALTH
Latest health and pandemic information, downloadable signage
https://www.flattenthecurve.com
Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools
Handwashing
I thought I knew how to wash my hands. I was wrong.
How to make your own hand sanitizer
EPA List of Effective Disinfectants
Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations
Helpful advice about the Coronavirus
Common Health Insurance Terminology
International OCD Foundation - Covid-19 Resources
Mutual Aid:
Support for immunocompromised people in need
For independent artists
For Caregivers and Kids:
Coronavirus quarantine resources
Giant List of Ideas for Being Home with Kids
Health Signage
Stop the Spread of Germs (Poster Download)
Handwashing Signage (Print, Download, Order)
Handwashing Resources (Stickers, Posters, Videos)
Tools for producing online events (including Zoom), digital safety, accessibility
ART+ FEMINISM: COLLABORATIVE RESOURCES FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS
A hat tip to our friends at Common Field, we've created this collaborative guide for virtual meetings. We do not have all the answers, but collectively we can share links/resources/guides/best practices to holding better and more accessible virtual events.
Ways of Gathering in the Age of COVID-19: A Guide to Livestreaming on HowlRound TV
As COVID-19 continues to spread, we know many theatre organizations are thinking carefully about their planned gatherings and events. Many colleges and universities across the world are choosing to move their classes online, and we here at HowlRound want to remind you that going digital may be an option for your theatre and performance events as well.
Live Streaming for artists by Yara Travieso and Brighid Greene on Creative Capital.
Stream to YouTube Live from Zoom
How to protect your callvictim of Zoombombing
Avoid being a Tools for remote work
Microsoft OfficeWorking in a coronavirus world: Strategies and tools for staying productive programs
Student access to Creative Cloud during campus closures
Coronavirus Tech Handbook
Crowdsourced; also involves MANY tools and sublinks
Common Field Zoom Guide for Convening Attendees
Allied Media Conference: How to Virtual AMC
Learn about platforms used for virtual gathering, digital safety practices, community agreements, self-care in virtual environments, and accessibility in online platforms
NEA: Ensure Accessibility of your online events
Best practices guide and links to downloadable resources and service providers
Comprehensive how to guide for using Zoom for virtual gatherings
Best practices, education guides
ACCESSIBLE TEACHING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Teaching Effectively During Times of Disruption
Online Art & Design Studio Instruction in the Age of "Social Distancing"
Association for Teaching Artists - Webinar (Live 3/13/2020 @ 2:00 EST)
Remote Sr Thesis/BFA Exhibition Platform for Students
Making Do and Getting By - Examples (for students)
Please do a bad job of putting your courses online
Social Distance Learning (Original Lesson Plans & Links for Creating/Viewing/Presenting Art remotely)
For Students:
The Student Relief Fundnts
Free self-storage for college students
Emergency strategies, templates
CDC - Guidance for Public Health Communications
Crisis + Emergency Risk Communication
Periodic Table for High Concern Communication by Dr. Vincent Covello
33 Item Risk and Crisis Communication Checklist by Dr. Vincent Covello
Message Template: Message Development for Emergency Communication (Source: CDC CERC Manual)
The Communications Network - Coronavirus Communications Crisis Triage Kit
Teaching:
Film Education
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
Online Courses:
Tutorials:Film Blocking: Techniques for Directors
Ava DuVernay Array Launches Stay At Home
Film Series
Directing Techniques & Tips: Best of Sundance Directors
A Master’s Input: Inspiring Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Top 20 Filmmaking YouTube Channels To Follow in 2020
Software:
Celtx - Screenwriting software
Teaching:
Vocal.Media 12 Free Resources to Learn Photography provided by Vocal Media
B&H Photo & Video Store presents B&H Photography Podcast
Online Courses:
10 Best Free Online Photography Courses
Joel Grimes Photography - Online Course
Tutorials:
Photography Tutorials: ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed
Top 10 Composition TIps, with photographer Chris Bray
Lighting: Type, Direction, Flash, White Balance, Filters, with Chris Bray
Software:
10 Best Photo Editing Software
Social Justice in a Time of Social Distancing (downloadable PDF) by By ds4si: the design studio for social intervention, Kenneth Bailey and Lori Lobenstine
Coronavirus offers a new Beginning
Street Survival in the Age of Coronavirus by Kaia Sand for Portland’s Street Roots
“The frenzy that the coronavirus has caused has unsurprisingly sparked more xenophobia and racism...Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that bigotry and bias has followed the spread of a virus.”
Hard Times Require Furious Dancing, by Alice Walker
I have to get this book! I found it in a list of “Strange Pages: 15 books for uncertain times”
Please do a bad job of putting your courses online
“3. Students who did not sign up for an online course have no obligation to have a computer, high-speed wifi, a printer/scanner, or a camera. Do not even survey them to ask if they have it. Even if they do, they are not required to tell you this. And if they do now, that doesn’t mean that they will when something breaks and they can’t fafford to fix it because they just lost their job at the ski resort or off-campus bookstore…
9. Social isolation contributes to mental health problems...”