It's no secret that Worcester artists have seen their incomes crater because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some artists – such as full-time performing musicians – losing up to 100% of their income for the foreseeable future.

In response, The Worcester Cultural Coalition, in partnership with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is addressing the acute and long-term needs of arts and culture workers and nonprofits, through a modest grant program.

The Worcester Creative Relief Fund will award grants in the amount of $500 to artists who live or work in Worcester and have had their creative practices and incomes adversely impacted by COVID-19. The fund is designed to support Worcester artists of all types (visual, performing, design, etc.) who have been financially impacted by event and gig cancellations, the inability to exhibit their work or book shows, and who have lost revenue from their day jobs being eliminated due to COVID-19.

“In Worcester and across the world, workers in the arts and cultural sector already functioning on thin margins have reported increasing pressure,” said Erin Williams, executive director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. Local, national and international authorities have established strict guidelines in order to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the virus through banning large gatherings. These guidelines have resulted in the temporary closure of institutions and venues, and canceled performances, shows, events and classes. Further, many artists supplement their incomes with part-time jobs, often in the service industry, which has also been hit hard by these guidelines.

“Arts and culture have long been an important component of life in Worcester and beyond. We’re proud to support our area’s vibrant culture in good times, and we have a responsibility to not just our creative sector, but to the community at large, to ensure the creative sector can survive these uncertain times,” Williams noted. “It has been inspiring to see our community transcend adversity, innovating how we can connect through an active embrace of creative arts and culture. Through these expressions, we’re engaging despite physical distance, which is a testament to the power of culture!”

Creative Relief Fund applications will be accepted online until April 8 at 5 p.m. The Worcester Cultural Coalition will convene a panel to review applications and make recommendations. The fund is focused on current loss of income, providing relief for artists who live or work in Worcester, with a limit of one grant awarded per applicant and priority given to lower-income artists. Worcester Arts Council 2020 grant recipients are not eligible for this award.

Applications can be found online at https://worcesterculture.org/worcester-creative-relief-fund/ and https://forms.gle/HcTB7uJtXtf76rBfA.