Much like the other sectors of our world, our creative community is experiencing the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do we create amid the chaos? How do we connect with audiences from isolation? How do we make sense of the insensible? Not to mention, how do we thrive in a hard-hit economy?
Although many crafters, makers, builders, and artists of-all-types have already begun to adapt to the changes and bring their practices online, there are still many unknowns that we face in the upcoming weeks and months. Therefore, we, at Craft Lake City, have compiled the following list as a starting point for those seeking resources to assist with projects, professional development, grants, and more.
- Utah Division of Arts and Museums — Applications for one-time relief funds are being accepted now through April 28th, with a second round to be determined. The Utah Division of Arts and Museums is a collaborative group of partners who are holding weekly video calls on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on the cultural sector, available relief, and inspirational stories. All are invited to join. Additionally, there are vast lists of resources available— from emergency and medical aid, to project stipends and grants.
- Utah Cultural Alliance — Utah Cultural Alliance is organizing support for our local humanities, arts, and museums nonprofits. At their site, there are opportunities to learn more about petitions, fundraising, community surveys, as well as their own long-list of resources available to creatives of all disciplines.
- THE BLOCKS, Salt Lake City — While THE BLOCKS is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in art, it’s also ripe with possibilities for those who create. And a silver lining of the next few weeks of closures due to coronavirus concerns, is the space it will create for artists to further their craft. Here you can find opportunities in downtown SLC to remain involved.
- Salt Lake City Arts Council — Apart from maintaining their own COVID-19 resources-relief list, this is where to find more information on the City Arts Grants and current programming in the area. SLCAC is encouraging everyone to check out the following Instagram handles, @emergencyartmarket, @theflatfileslc, and @coronaartcollective, to find out what Salt Lake City artists are up to, to purchase work from local makers, and to find some inspiration for your own artistic practice.
- National Endowment for the Arts — The agency is currently accepting and receiving applications for funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. They have posted guidelines for grants made under CARES Act funding and FAQs.
- Artist Relief — Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists. The link has further information on eligibility.
- COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resource — This an accumulated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines. Additionally, there is also a variety of emotional health and wellness tools available for use.
- Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development — Business resources for COVID-19 are provided here via Salt Lake City, local government. There are also links to webinars regarding professional development and working from home isolation.
- SLC Emergency Food Access — Access to food is a challenge for many during a time of economic uncertainty. On Tuesday May 5th, our friends at the Salt Lake City Arts Council will be opening their doors at Finch Lane Gallery for grocery pickup through the City Emergency Operational Center. This pilot program will allow SLC residents to drive by the Gallery to pick up non-perishable goods on Tuesday mornings between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Utah Communities Connect WiFi Interactive Map — For those needing free WiFi access, this link provides an interactive map of locations offering exterior WiFi availability.
All isolation is not the same. When it’s a choice made for you, you can only respond with choices of your own. Let’s make choices that continue to lift fellow-creatives up, encourage digital collaboration, and strengthen our artisan community, now, more than ever before.
Do you know of additional funding or resources? Let us know at: artisancoordinator@craftlakecity.com.
*Photos courtesy of Talyn Sherer.