RAC Launches Emergency Artist Relief Fund in Response to Covid-19 Crisis

$100,000 fund aims to address critical needs for local artists impacted by the global pandemic

ST. LOUIS (March 30, 2020) – The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC), the area’s largest public funder of the arts, has joined with the St. Louis Community Foundation, to help drive funding to local artists who have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout.

RAC is establishing the RAC Artist Relief Fund with a donation of $100,000 to help artists whose creative practices and incomes have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. RAC plans to also solicit contributions from others in the community who recognize the severity and scope of the need to support our local artists.

“This is a collaborative effort to respond to the global crisis affecting our communities and a push for RAC to respond to critical issues that affect the arts and culture sector in our region,” said Mont Levy, chair of the board of commissioners at RAC. “As the largest funder of individual artists in the area, we felt it was RAC’s responsibility to provide emergency support during this time of great need.”

The fund, which allows applicants to submit a one-time request of either $500 or $1,000, will help deliver critical relief by providing financial assistance to artists whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis.

RAC expects applications to open this week. Artists will then be invited to review eligibility criteria and apply online. The organization will use a simple, expedited process to administer funds with applications considered and awarded until April 30 or a complete depletion of funds.

“We know this is a difficult time for our community and for those who are experiencing direct financial hits,” Levy said. “We are moving through this process as quickly as possible. Working in partnership with the St. Louis Community Foundation will allow us to expedite this process.”

To learn more about RAC’s response to COVID-19 and its effects on St. Louis artists and arts organizations, visit racstl.org/covid19/.