In the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, artists as independent workers, arts organizations dependent on gathering groups together, and creative people engaged in travel and exchange may be especially affected. Springboard for the Arts is committed to creating, amplifying, and sharing resources to support artists and communities, always as part of our mission, and at this time especially.
This page is an evolving list of resources for information, exchange, and support in this time. Accuracy at any given point cannot be guaranteed as this is a fast-moving and evolving situation. Please be in touch with updates or resources to add.
As of 6/24 we are pausing new applications to the Emergency Relief Fund because we have allocated all the funds we have been able to raise. We will continue to process submitted applications and fund them as we are able. As of June 24, we have allocated $1,050,000 to support 2,131 artists, creative workers, and culture bearers in Minnesota. We are incredibly grateful to the donors and supporters who made this possible and who support Minnesota's creative economy. We will pause the ERF program in July to plan for the future of this work and hope to relaunch a new version of the program in August. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong:
- Fondo de Ayuda de Emergencia Personal
- Lacagta Kaalmada Degdegga Ah Ee Koroona Faayrus
- Nyiaj Pab Cuam Thaum Muaj Xwm Ceev Vim Tus Kab Mob Coronavirus
- Nyaj Paab Cuam Thaus Muaj Xwm Ceev Vim Tug Kaab Mob Coronavirus
We've fielded a lot of inquiries about Emergency Relief Fund and how we've managed it, and so we've put together a quick overview resource, "So You Want to Start an Emergency Relief Fund." We're sharing our program structure and big picture thoughts about running an emergency relief fund since 2001. We hope it's useful to you as you plan your response for your community.
Springboard for the Arts page compiling emergency resources for artists, creative workers and self-employed freelancers, focusing on emergency funding and career resources.
Springboard for the Arts page compiling emergency resources for arts organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses, focusing on funding and recovery.
Springboard for the Arts page compiling resources for health, mental health, housing, and food assistance in these times.
Springboard for the Arts page compiling legal resources for employment, contracts, taxes, nonprofits, and small businesses in Minnesota, part of Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts.
Compiled by Hannah Fenlon, Abigail Vega, and Ann Marie Lonsdale this list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes local and national resources, grants, and emergency funds.
Recorded webinar sharing resources (legal, advocacy, how to take your work virtual, finding emergency funding, and financial best practices in crisis) for freelancers and creative workers.
The U.S. Department of Arts & Culture has created a resource list for creative community care and teaching, healing, and social justice resources.
Ghost Light Arts has created a Slack channel for artists connect, collaborate, and share resources during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak.
Americans for the Arts COVID-19 response center, including resource links and their impact survey and dashboard.
CERF+ is listing resources on their website, including business continuity resources via their Studio Protector program, and other health and planning resources.
Grantmakers in the Arts is sharing resources and guidance on Covid-19 virus and encouraging grantmakers to support their grantees in treating their funding flexibly in these difficult and rapidly shifting circumstances.
NEA listing of other resources from around the country.
Many businesses, organizations and people are finding themselves in the position of canceling public events and gatherings due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. This is disappointing and scary for a lot of organizations and businesses who rely on in-person events to fulfill their mission and to generate income. It also has the potential to be extremely damaging to artists and other freelancers’ economic stability.
Springboard for the Arts' Community Personal Emergency Relief Fund is a resource dedicated to supporting artists in Minnesota to respond to urgent community needs with creative leadership. Artists whose communities are directly impacted by an emergency can request up to $500 to support creative responses and community engagement.
With cancellations and job changes due to Coronavirus/COVID-19, artists may have legal questions about contracts and obligations. Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts is here to help, by providing educational resources and connecting artists with attorneys who specialize in arts and entertainment law. Artists in Minnesota can request a free phone consultation with 1-2 of our volunteer attorneys.
In response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, and specifically to an increased number of cases in the Twin Cities metro area, Springboard for the Arts is implementing the following changes. Beginning on Monday, March 16, we will be limiting public access to our offices and resource centers. We are encouraging all employees to work remotely, moving meetings and consultations to digital platforms, and postponing all public events through April 3 at the earliest. We are committed to continuing to serve artists and communities, providing services, and doing so in a way that supports public health. We will update our plans as we the situation progresses.
A list of emergency relief fund resources for artists of all disciplines.
We have set up a fundraiser to expand the Personal Emergency Relief Fund, so that we can continue to support artists, contractors, and freelancers in Minnesota who have lost income due to Coronavirus/COVID-19. Please click below to give online, or send a check to:
Springboard for the Arts
Attn: Individual Giving
262 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
If you have any questions about individual giving, please contact Katie Hae Leo, Development Director, at katiehl@springboardforthearts, or 651-292-4381.