COVID-19 Resources for Creatives
We know the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive financial, physical, and mental impact on artists, creative businesses, and non-profits. We hope to be a connector to resources to assist our creative community during this time.
We’re working to keep this page as up-to-date as possible as we find and receive new information. Please realize that news and resources are changing rapidly, often on a daily basis. We recommend consulting directly with aid organizations and artist resources that we list. If you have specific questions we can help with, you can email us any time.
Subscribe to our newsletter for regular weekly updates and resources.
Announcing:
The Creative Resource Hotline
For the next several weeks, we’re piloting direct help for individual artists and creative businesses through the Creative Resource Hotline. These are free, one-on-one calls with a local expert to help creatives connect with specific resources to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Open Hotline Hours will occur on a weekly basis during the following windows:
Mondays 2pm-4pm MST
Thursdays 10am-12pm MST
Call Us at 970-373-5223. (Please leave a message if the line is busy, and we will return your call as soon as possible.)
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Colorado Stay at Home Order - CPR News Story
Weld County Department of Health and Environment
North Range Behavioral Health
Crisis Hotline: Call 844.493.TALK (8255) or Text Talk to 38255
CARES ACT
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Several provisions provide aid and assistance to independent artists, small business owners, and non-profits.
UPDATED 5.8.20: At this time, only agricultural business applications will be accepted for the PPP and EIDL programs, due to limitations in funding availability and the unprecedented submission of applications already received
The Colorado SBDC is a credible resource for the latest information about SBA loan and grant programs through the CARES act.
Visit the SBDC COVID Small Business Response Page
UNEMPLOYMENT
UPDATED 5.8.20: The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is accepting applications for federal unemployment benefits through the CARES act. This includes benefits available to self-employed and gig economy workers suffering lost work during this time.
Additional guidelines:
If you only receive income through 1099 or contract work, apply through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance portal.
If you were laid off from a job that pays you through W-2 income, apply for a standard Unemployment Insurance claim.
If you have a mix of 1099 and W-2 income, and received more than $2500 from a W-2 job on your most recent tax return, you will need to apply through the standard Unemployment Insurance claim.
Read our Blog Post on Unemployment Benefits
RESOURCE LISTS
Americans for the Arts: Take the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers
Colorado Creative Industries: Resources to Support the Arts During COVID-19
Americans for the Arts: Coronavirus Resource and Response Center
Colorado Business Committee for the Arts: Resource List
COVID-19 and Freelance Artists: Freelance Artist Resources
Arts Through It All: Campaign Resources and Toolkit
RELIEF FUNDS
Colorado Artist Relief Fund - Just re-opened to artists outside the Denver metro. Grants up to $1000 to individual artists.
NoCo Music Relief Fund - Grants up to $1000 available to musicians and music industry workers living in Larimer or Weld county and suffering extreme financial emergencies.
Greeley Area Recovery Fund - City-sponsored relief fund for local businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Artist Relief - $5000 grants to practicing artists experiencing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19. Applications open now!
Cerf + (funding for artists infected with COVID-19 requiring medical care)
CO Cares Act - Awarded through CCI on behalf of the NEA, these $5000 grants for nonprofit arts organizations are intended to help entities retain employees during this time.
WESTAF Cares Relief Fund - General operating support to arts and culture organizations with awards up to $20,000. Organizations are encouraged to apply ASAP, as high volume will likely determine a short deadline.
Colorado COVID Relief Fund (funding for non-profits and small businesses)
Foundation for Contemporary Arts - Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund ($1500 grants to artists with performances or exhibitions cancelled)
MusiCares COVID Relief Fund (for musicians)
The Actors Fund - Emergency Financial Assistance for workers in entertainment and the performing arts
ART ACTIVITIES
Masks for Heroes - Tutorials for DIY Masks
Think360 Arts - Teaching Artist TV (free resource library of videos and study guides on art lessons)
Armando Silva - EN CASA (coloring sheets, art resources)
Giants and Pilgrims - My Favorite FUN Homeschooling Resources
NoCo Live from Home Show (weekly live-streamed music performances)