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COVID-19 Pandemic (U.S. & Canada): Resources for Musicians

The Network of Music Career Development Officers (NETMCDO) is collecting information on these resources as quickly as we can, to help as many people as we can. People who might need immediate help, guidance, or a place to start. At this time, NETMCDO is not endorsing or vetting the information found on this page.

Thank you to the following contributors for the info below: Christine Beamer, John K. Blanchard, Jan Bottomer, Casey Molino Dunn, Jovan Johnson, Christina Manceo, Patch Schwadron, and Charles Vallena.

[created March 20, 2020, and updated August 4 and November 30, 2020. May 24, 2021 additions are marked *NEW! below]

To contribute additional resources or make corrections, e-mail John K. Blanchard at jblanchard@msmnyc.edu.

We have used the following (somewhat arbitrary) categories on this page for now:

1. Advocacy
2. Canadian Resources
   
3. Facebook Groups
4. Funding
5. Funding (General)
6. Funding List (Geographic)
7. Funding Source
8. Funding Source (Specific Geographic Area)
9. Funding Source (Specific Geographic Area & Union)
10. Perspective/Advice
11. Resource List (General)
12. Resource List (Geographic)
13. Resources (General Arts)
14. Technology/Commercial

Advocacy

• Americans for the Arts - they will probably be the loudest voice from the nonprofit arts and cultural sector in the conversation about federal solutions. lets make sure they know what's going on with independent artists.
  https://surveys.americansforthearts.org/s3/CoronavirusImpactSurvey
• Artists, Culture Workers, Freelancers, Gig/Event Economy Losses Due to COVID-19 Cancellations https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CyQBOZy3SDHn_7KG8xuUnZ-bHlfipl9KSBN8KvN3ucY
• Census - the ultimate survey. This is a critical input from communities for big picture and long term planning. So much infrastructure and so many policies flow from census results. If you are a working artist please identify yourself as one. Deadline is end of March. Finish it early! Make sure you are counted!
  https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/3/12/21168139/2020-census-online-how-to
• NYC Artists Coalition: COVID-19 Relief http://nycartc.com/covid19-relief/
• NYC Mayors Office for Media and Entertainment - the city is trying to figure out what relief looks like for arts workers. They are paying attention right now. Lets tell them.
  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNOye6aCd4Z1xbfYZ1X8cpYye-v8ZW1azFMEgCXMZ_O7HB7A/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0dK-SNOgfG_HvALBteKtlVGbinqkQ9FrMTCBSxDCzKSvcI6N1MQSpCF00
  Performing Arts Alliance: Nonprofits Need Access to COVID-19 Relief https://www.theperformingartsalliance.org/
• Survey for Nightlife Workers, Freelancers, and Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNOye6aCd4Z1xbfYZ1X8cpYye-v8ZW1azFMEgCXMZ_O7HB7A/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2OM4VblWYe7nhCaTgHs0S91O_TMw7Tme-YYG01lT7E61rMisfZAfRLfiw
• Tell Congress to include displaced entertainment workers in relief package (IATSE) https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-to-include-displaced-workers-in-relief-package

Canadian Resources

• Canada Council for the Arts: https://canadacouncil.ca/covid-19-information
  Important Information related to COVID-19: Current information and FAQs. If you have a COVID-19 related question for the Canada Council, please email: covid19@canadacouncil.ca. While we aim to reply to all questions within two business days, our ability to do so may be affected by the volume of queries received and by staff availability to respond.
• Canadian Live Music Association: https://canadianlivemusic.ca/covid-19-resources/
  COVID-19 Resources for the Live Music Industry - The CLMA is attempting to collate all relevant information for the live music industry. Tip Sheet on Completing COVID-19 Related Records of Employment for laid-off employees
• I Lost My Gig Canada: https://ilostmygig.ca
  I Lost My Gig Canada, a space for creative industries and other vulnerable freelance and gig economy workers to connect and share stories in response to growing income precarity in Canada.
• Opera.ca (Canada) COVID-19 Resources For Artists http://www.opera.ca/whats-new/operaca-covid-19-resources-artists
• Unison Benevolent Fund https://www.unisonfund.ca/
  Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. We are here to help professional music-makers in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulties.
• Unison Benevolent Fund COVID-19 Resources for the Music Community: https://www.unisonfund.ca/blog/post/covid-19-resources-music-community
  This is a very challenging time for our industry, especially for the music-makers and music professionals in our community, many of whom are dealing with canceled performances, and loss of work. The Unison office has decided to compile a list of helpful resources for Canadian music-makers and music professionals to help navigate mentally and physically at this time so, let's work on getting ...

Facebook Groups

• Employing Artists: at-home employment listings https://www.facebook.com/groups/212320030134739
• NYC Covid-19 Musician Resources and Support — Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/nycmusicianscovid19/about/

Funding

• Bandzoogle Blog Post on asking fans for support:  https://bandzoogle.com/blog/how-musicians-can-ask-fans-for-support-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
• WomenArts: WomenArts does not make any emergency cash grants but they are providing a list to help you find other organizations where you can apply for funding.  https://www.womenarts.org/funding-resources/emergencyfunds

Funding (General)

• Federal-State-Local Benefits Finder https://www.benefits.gov/
• Mutual Aid Database https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wwR-oY6ftGOEecWP4iNwUb0r2Pwewm3t_H3ho--vI_k/edit#gid=0
• NYFA Emergency Grants List https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Emergency%20Grants 

Funding List (Geographic)

• Creative Sonoma’s Emergency Funds & Resources (CA) https://www.creativesonoma.org/emergency-resources/
• Local 211 - connections to your geographic area http://211.org/services/covid19
• Max’s (NY)- emergency funding https://maxskansascity.org/emergency-grants/
• Philanthropy California’s Response Funds & Resources https://www.philanthropyca.org/covid-19-response

Funding Sources

• *NEW! Jovan Johnson at AnnuityFreedom.net has created a grant program for artists/musicians (https://www.annuityfreedom.net/financial-literacy/artists/), one for Black or Minority business owners (https://www.annuityfreedom.net/financial-literacy/black-grants/), and one for women who own businesses (https://www.annuityfreedom.net/financial-literacy/women-grant/). They are a combination marketing + micro grant. While there is not currently a cap on the number of monthly marketing grantees, there is currently (1) $100 micro-grant each month per program. Marketing assistance will continue indefinitely. No fees are required of applicants.
• Artist Relief Tree https://artistrelieftree.com/
• Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/artsleadersfund
• Assistance & Guidance for Businesses Impacted Due to Novel Coronavirus https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-business-outreach.page
• CERF+: COVID-19 Response Fund https://cerfplus.org/cerfplus-announces-formation-of-covid-19-response-fund/
• ConverKit’s Creator Fund https://creatorfund.ck.page/
• Covid-19 Financial Solidarity https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aZYIIN9JR9qyl_TV14yt7Ucxh9eU_ZzrVGyNp_Qcr8E/edit
• Equal Sound’s Corona Relief Fund (cancelled gigs) https://equalsound.org/musicians-corona-relief-fund-application/
• Foundation for Contemporary Arts’ COVID-19 Relief Fund https://www.foundationforcontemporaryarts.org/grants/emergency-grants
• Freelancers Relief Fund will offer financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs: 
  https://www.freelancersunion.org/resources/freelancers-relief-fund/
• Haven Foundation for Freelance Artists http://www.thehavenfdn.org/
• Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund https://jazzfoundation.org/musicians-emergency-fund/
• leveler, COVID-19 distribution https://www.leveler.info/
• Mayer Foundation http://fdnweb.org/mayer/
• MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/covid-19-relief-fund-faq
• Musicians Foundation http://www.musiciansfoundation.org/get-support/eligibility/
• NYFA’s Rauschenberg Emergency Grants (unexpected medical) https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Rauschenberg-Emergency-Grants
• NY’s Theatre District Ghostlight Fund https://www.theghostlightfund.com/fundapplication
• Opry Trust Fund (country music) https://www.opry.com/opry-trust-fund/
• Patreon COVID-19 Grant https://patreonforms.typeform.com/to/SptV8y
• Sound Royalties: Royalty Advance
  
• Storage Space: Free for displaced students https://www.wtxl.com/news/national-news/u-haul-offering-free-storage-for-students-displaced-due-to-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR0pcCoWQ1aa_oLgU1-U4ZSzWsG0X6fxRD83BUCRc-MBV1RvgJ4-uoGpe4A  
• Sweet Relief, for those impacted due to sickness or loss of work https://www.sweetrelief.org/covid-19-fund.html
• The Blues Foundations’ HART Fund https://blues.org/hart-fund/#about 

Funding Source (Specific Geographic Area, also see "Canadian Resources" above)

• Boston Artist Relief Fund https://cityofbostonartsandculture.submittable.com/submit/af2153eb-2d87-4e9d-9ebc-5861eb135999/boston-artist-relief-fund
• Boston Singers Resource https://www.bostonsingersresource.org/programs/bsrf/application
• Colorado’s Black Cube Video Art https://blackcube.art/event/video-art-open-call-for-submissions
• Columbus (OH) Foundation Emergency Response Fund https://columbusfoundation.org/coronavirus-emergency-response-fund
• COVID-19 NYC Black Folk Mutual Aid Fund https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuzC2S8IU2oL1tqrH-U2DxDegNfe2-JZjrhZots0kV-tr4jA/viewform
• Mutual Aid NYC https://mutualaid.nyc/
• NC Artist Relief Fund https://vaeraleigh.org/artist-relief-fund
• New Orleans Business Alliance https://www.nolaba.org/relief-fund/
• Pittsburgh Artist Emergency Fund https://forms.gle/18EG1AYpCdu9LHQ6A
• Springboard for the Arts Emergency Relief Fund; Minnesota Artists https://springboardforthearts.org/additional-resources/emergency-relief-fund/
• The New York Foundation for the Arts, whose mission is to empower working artists and emerging arts organizations across all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives and professional/organizational development, is maintaining an emergency resources page covering many areas of the country: https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Emergency%20Grants?mc_cid=25e0f6d728&mc_eid=e03bb810c5&fbclid=IwAR2TibrsOnRQ6s36IvidqCxZBosynOsJO7HCVQRjFDjWELPfJ2r9yBIyJHQ
• Washington DC’s Mutual Aid Project - Black and non-white trans and gender expansive artists https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7vOTp4W0_w8jyAUOmhBpnzH3fIutNMg79tk6hxcb-6gLGIQ/viewform

Funding Source (Union)

• American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Relief Fund https://agmarelief.org/
• COVID-19 DISASTER FUND for SAG-AFTRA Members https://sagaftra.foundation/assistance/disasterrelief/ 
• Freelancers Relief Fund will offer financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs: 
  https://www.freelancersunion.org/resources/freelancers-relief-fund/

Funding Source (Specific Geographic Area & Union)

• Chicago Musicians Emergency Relief Fund: 
  https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/covid19_artist.html
  
• Local 802’s (NYC) Musicians’ Assistance Program http://local802erf.org/how-to-apply/

Perspective/Advice

• 10 Creative Ways Musicians Can Earn Money from Home During COVID-19
• Cancelled gigs due to coronavirus? Here’s what you can do. https://www.lisahusseini.com/thoughts/cancelled-gigs-due-to-coronavirus-heres-what-you-can-do
• How musicians (and other creatives too) can transition their business online ASAP https://medium.com/@suzanneyada/how-musicians-and-other-creatives-too-can-transition-their-business-online-asap-d580189bacf8
• How Musicians Can Stay Healthy During Covid-19
• Max Q Podcast, by Peabody LAUNCHPad
  Max is an interview podcast for anyone interested in, or currently pursuing careers in the performing arts. We hold conversations about pathways to building varied, vibrant, and sustainable lives in the arts.  To engage with the current dramatic changes in our world, LAUNCHPad director Dr. Zane Forshee is conducting special feature interviews with distinguished professionals about the impact of COVID-19 on our field.
• Middle Class Artist https://www.middleclassartist.com/
• Navigating Unemployment due to Corona https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/18/how-to-file-for-unemployment-due-to-coronavirus.html
• NY State’s FAQs - Before You Apply For Unemployment 
  https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/beforeyouapplyfaq.shtm

Resource List (General)

• American Composers Forum Response to Covid-19 https://composersforum.org/acf-response-to-covid-19/
• Americans for the Arts CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE AND RESPONSE CENTER https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus-covid-19-resource-and-response-center
• Artists at Risk Connection https://artistsatriskconnection.org/story/covid-19-resources-for-artists
• CERF+: Emergency Financial Assistance https://cerfplus.org/get-ready/studio-protector/get-help-portal/emergency-relief-resources-from-arts-organizations/
• The Artists Trust: Growing List of Resources in Response to COVID-19 https://artisttrust.org/covid-19-resources-list/
• Coronavirus Resource Kit (includes many Mutual Aid Societies) https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1Rcan4C_e6OBFBI5bUn7MtYK74Ab-WarxyJmDvZUI_YA/
• Creative Capital: 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. Creative Capital’s List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak https://creative-capital.org/2020/03/13/list-of-arts-resources-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/
• Entertainers Worldwide has assembled a list of articles to support entertainment professionals who need to deal with current bookings, cancelling & rescheduling future events, managing finances, looking after your wellbeing and taking action to protect the industry.
• Audio Assemble's Financial Resources for Musicians During The Coronavirus Outbreak: https://audioassemble.com/resources-for-musicians-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/#chartdiv
• Free-lance Artists: An aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines. This list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to, actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers & playwrights, photographers, etc. COVID-19 & Freelance Artists: https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/
• Freelancers & Community Resources 2020 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xt1QZlGsyga_HrXagubV9O0rebV5dx4DuMOd2sWvWwc/edit
• Grantmakers in the Arts’ COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Arts Funding https://www.giarts.org/blog/admin/covid-19-coronavirus-and-arts-funding-update-and-action-items
• I CARE IF YOU LISTEN’S COVID-19 Emergency Funding and Artist Resources https://www.icareifyoulisten.com/2020/03/covid-19-emergency-funding-artist-resources/
• Leads on Finding Remote (sometimes non-arts) work https://skillcrush.com/blog/sites-finding-remote-work
• Music Teacher Resources for School Closures (Online & No Tech Ideas) https://nafme.org/music-teacher-resources-school-closures
• MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. They have an application for musicians in need of assistance due to COVID-19:  https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund
• The Musicians Foundation is the country’s oldest independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to musicians and their families in times of need, crisis, or transition. They are planning to launch a CV19 Emergency Aid Grant Program here:   http://www.musiciansfoundation.org/apply/
• NAFME (the National Association for Music Education) has collated a list of music teacher resources for school closures, including a number of online resources for music learning and teaching and a COVID-19 Resource page: https://nafme.org/covid-19/
• National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s COVID-19 Resources https://namt.org/home/covid-19-resources/
• National Performance Network, whose mission is advancing racial and cultural justice in the arts; fostering relationship-building and reciprocity between individuals, institutions and communities; and working towards systems change in arts and philanthropy, has created a resource list for artists with not only funding, but ideas for online teaching and performing work, online arts events, mental health resources, and more:  https://npnweb.org/covid-19-resources/
• National Endowment for the Arts’s COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations https://www.arts.gov/covid-19-resources-artists-and-arts-organizations
• North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents’ COVID-19 FAQs https://napama.org/Coronavirus_FAQs
• NYFA’s Resources & Updates https://current.nyfa.org/post/612485365185560576/covid-19-resources-and-updates-from-nyfa
• Teaching Artists Guild COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ARTISTS https://teachingartistsguild.org/covid-19-resources/
• Teaching Music in the Age of COVID-19: A Collaborative Effort by College Music Society https://www.music.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2968:teaching-music-in-the-age-of-covid-19-a-collaborative-effort-by-cms&catid=139&Itemid=2585
• U.S. Department of Arts and Culture’s Community Care in the Time of Coronavirus https://usdac.us/news-long/2020/3/15/community-care-in-the-time-of-coronavirus

Resource List (Geographic)

• Billboard Magazine's State-by-State Guide: Help for Musicians During Coronavirus Crisis https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9337908/coronavirus-resource-guide-music-professionals-help
• Grammy’s Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: EAST Region https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/resources-music-creators-professionals-affected-covid-19-east-region
• Grammy’s Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: SOUTH Region https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/resources-music-creators-professionals-affected-covid-19-south-region
• Grammy’s Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: WEST Region https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/resources-music-creators-professionals-affected-covid-19-west-region
• Maryland Citizens for the Arts https://mdarts.org/news/covid-19-artist-emergency-resources/
• Opera.ca (Canada) COVID-19 Resources For Artists http://www.opera.ca/whats-new/operaca-covid-19-resources-artists

Resources (General Arts)

• The Actors Fund helps musicians and other professionals. They are busy reformatting workshops to be virtual/Zoom accessible, starting with our orientation every Monday. Sign up via Eventbrite: https://actorsfund.org/workshops/career-center-orientation-ny-0.
  They are also creating new workshops and conversations to respond to the current disastrous labor market for artists and to add to the positive networking energy we all need for managing the now and the future:
  https://actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/social-services-financial-assistance

Technology/Commercial

• Jamkazam: Revolutionizing the way musicians connect, play, learn and earn. Across a city or across a nation.  https://www.jamkazam.com/
• Soundtrap is an online studio software that allows you to record, edit and collaborate on music.  https://www.soundtrap.com/