COVID-19 & RAC Grant FAQs
At RAC, we are doing our best during the ever-evolving pandemic. Please refer to the following list of frequently asked questions about the impact of COVID-19 on RAC’s grants and grants application process.
What is RAC doing to assist arts organizations and artists during this pandemic?
Due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Arts Commission has been working diligently over the past year to adjust our procedures in support of our grantees and the community. This past year, we prioritized payments to our organizational grantees, completing payments for 2020-2021 Program Support at 40% of their original award and continuing payments for General Operating Support at 25% through June 2022.
In 2020, RAC recognized the dire economic circumstances of many of our local working artists so established the Artist Relief Fund.
Aside from grantmaking, does RAC provide other resources for arts organizations and artists?
RAC continues to be a vital resource to the St. Louis arts community. We continue conversations with local and statewide organizations and agencies who fund and support arts organizations, exploring ways to address the growing number of issues facing our arts community today and in the future.
What has been RAC’s focus during this time?
We have implemented a new grantmaking system, streamlined grantee processes, and added new grants staff. RAC is excited to return to grantmaking, running both Program Support and Artist Support Grant cycles that begin in February 2022. Learn more.
With the number of hotels experiencing more cancellations, will RAC’s hotel/motel tax, its primary source of revenue, be negatively impacted?
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the lives of everyone, including business and government structures. The Regional Arts Commission is no different. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of RAC’s income is derived from hotel/motel tax from Saint Louis City and Saint Louis County. With significantly lower occupancy levels caused by COVID-19 starting in March 2020, RAC saw a 62% decrease in revenue in 2020 and does not expect full financial recovery until 2024.
When will the next grant cycles begin? What grants will be available in 2022?
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
There will not be a General Operating Support application open in 2022. RAC will issue payments at 25% in December 2021 and at 50% in March and June 2022.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
The Program Support application will open in late February 2022. We will share an updated Program Support Information guide in the new year regarding the grants process.
ARTIST SUPPORT GRANTS
The Artist Support Grant application will open alongside the Program Support application in February 2022. We will share an updated Artist Support Grant Information guide in the new year regarding the grants process.
ARTIST FELLOWSHIP
We hope to bring back Artist Fellowship Grants in 2023. Please continue to check your email, RAC website, and social media for important announcements.
Please continue checking the grants page, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest announcements about grants. Additionally, please sign up for our newsletter that will launch in 2022.
Who is on the RAC grants team and who should I contact for help?
We work as a collective team at RAC to achieve our goals. Staff members specific to grants include Grants and Programs Senior Manager, Ann Haubrich, and Grants and Programs Manager, Chloe Smith. Please contact them at any time with questions!