Arts Council, Community Funders Start COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

Indianapolis area creatives can apply for a $500 per month rapid relief grant to help cover the financial hit of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Arts Council of Indianapolis and several community funders have started the COVID-19 Emergency Relief fund. Arts Council Executive Director Julie Goodman says the money will help individuals and organizations hit hard financially by the sudden and ongoing cancellation of shows, events and performances.

"We know there is a lot we don’t know yet," Goodman says, "but what we do know is that people need help just keeping their heads above water right now.”

A COVID-19 Impact survey by the Arts Council shows 95 percent of area creatives are struggling financially, and two-thirds of nonprofits report significant financial loss that could lead to closing operations without immediate emergency relief.

“If it can help somebody be stable and more secure while we ride this out, while we understand timelines, while we understand what unemployment benefits look like, while we understand the relief packages, that’s what this is for," Goodman says.

Individuals can apply each month until the fund runs out. The public can donate and learn of other ways to support the local arts community by visiting indykeepscreating.org .