Resources for those in the Creative Economy Dealing with COVID19

Creative Economy Resources for those dealing with COVID19

If you’re a performer, an artist, a filmmaker, a gallery, an arts organization of a member of what’s frequently referred to as “the creative economy”, Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd lyric comes to mind. “Times is hard, sir...times is hard”. In the last couple of weeks, most of the region’s arts organizations and creative industry businesses have shut down. Lost revenues from performances, scheduled galas and fundraisers have crippled organizations, many of whom have laid off staff, Hartford Stage has reduced its workforce by 70%. The spin-off impact is horrifying, as restaurants, bars, shops, and parking, all who depend upon people activity from theatres visiting their sites, see empty streets.

If you’re part of the creative economy, especially if you’ve been laid off, file for unemployment benefits immediately. Then, secure your health benefits.

The UFCW Local 328 offers tips at: How to File For Unemployment: http://ufcw328.org/filing-for-unemployment-due-to-covid-19-a-step-by-step-resource-for-workers-in-massachusetts-rhode-island-connecticut-links-included/?fbclid=IwAR2CV9c0HRVYXB8yguyrditFNMNaJER0OHOq3rV_iTGuYu6AOztw7cAu5kAI

For Massachusetts residents in need of healthcare: MassHealth: https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth

If you’re a union member, check your union’s website for details which may be applicable.

Actor’s Equity Association. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Equity-Advises-Members-on-Filing-for-Unemployment-20200318?fbclid=IwAR3QcX-CDOOhqerkskG7uEveJVaaaWtxo0KGs4lXUg19lUFfJkoV_g4e2Tg

American Federation of Musicians. https://www.afm.org/covid-19/

American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund:. https://www.musicalartists.org/membership/agma-relief-fund/?fbclid=IwAR2lnPGiuHrDaS-HNHuFDiXb2NEOoOW4--P2PLjZ7rV0f8x99JraMbF-wFM

Resources for Individual Artists include:

Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) https://massculturalcouncil.org/covid-19-resources

Assets for artists relief fund information https://www.assetsforartists.org/blog/coronavirus

COVID-19 and Freelance Artists https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/

Massachusetts Grants Watch: https://massachusetts.grantwatch.com/grant/188509/grants-to-massachusetts-artists-to-mitigate-financial-losses-incurred-due-to-the-coronavirus-pandemic.html

Massachusetts Production Coalition (for those associated with the film and video industry) . https://massprodcoalition.org/news/covid19-resources?fbclid=IwAR15WuKaEE1QLf-Ez42MFVJE1MAKAzddiNTs6Xk09ngLpSril6QnXn0pzGs

Arts Organizations large and small can reach out to the following for assistance:

Arts Extension Service at UMASS: https://www.umass.edu/aes/

Chronicle of Philanthropy. Resources to Help Non-Profits https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Responding-to-the-Coronavirus/248231/#.XnGnZ47DYcs.linkedin

Connecticut Small Business Developmewnt Center (you or your business must be in CT). https://ctsbdc.com/

MA Capital Growth Corporation. https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/emergency-loan-funds/covid-19-loan-fund

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (you or your business must be in MA). https://www.msbdc.org/

Rhode Island State Council oin The Arts. https://risca.online/coronavirus-and-the-arts-resources-and-updates/

Thanks to Burns Maxey (formerly at New England Public Radio) at the UMASS Arts Extension Service and Todd Trebour at the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (and formerly at Chester Theatre and UMASS Arts Extension Service) for their assistance.