Eligibility
MISSION
Emerging Artist Initiative (EAI) exists to ensure that young creatives and professionals in the arts have access to financial, emotional, and professional support.
Why Emerging Artists?
In the wake of COVID-19, there is a significant lack of access to emergency relief funding for young and emerging professionals in the arts. Artist relief efforts favor established creatives who can demonstrate an extensive work history, residency/workshop teaching, or distinguished accomplishments in their art form. Those entering the job market lack these experiences and are left “unqualified” for relief grant money. Moreover, artist relief efforts typically restrict funding to art practitioners, leaving arts administrators and creative facilitators without adequate financial resources.
ACCESSIBILITY
Current relief funds are not accessible for emerging creatives and arts administrators struggling to forge a career in their field.
FINANCIAL SECURITY
COVID-19 has reinforced the structural hardships that young artists face at an alarming rate. Financial security is an imminent need.
Young adults are particularly vulnerable during recessions. With little on-the-job experience, a lack of seniority to protect them from layoffs, and insurmountable debt, starting a career during an economic crisis puts young people at a lasting disadvantage. For young artists, the struggle of emerging or making one’s place in the arts industry isn’t a new challenge. COVID-19 has reinforced the structural hardships that young artists face at an alarming rate. Especially for those that lost their “survival” jobs outside of the arts, financial security is an imminent need.
Young and emerging artists are experiencing COVID-19 from ground zero. Whether it has displaced them from an entry-level job, internship, or networking opportunity, the financial and emotional impacts of the coronavirus will follow these young professionals for the rest of their lives. As young artists adapt to these circumstances, they need a resource network of like-minded individuals, dedicated to preserving the power of the arts through the most difficult of times. Emerging Artists Initiative (EAI) will empower artists on the threshold of their careers who have been displaced by COVID-19 through the Emerging Artist Initiative Relief Fund.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
The financial and emotional impacts of the coronavirus will follow these young professionals for the rest of their lives.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DONATING
Is EAI a nonprofit?
No. EAI is a collaborative effort between a team of young artists and arts administrators. Within the next few months, we hope to find a fiscal sponsor and eventually begin the steps to 501(c)(3) non-for-profit status.
How can I help?
1) Donate to the Emerging Artist Relief Fund.
2) Share our Facebook page, website, and Relief Fund application with your own arts community.
3) Advocate for emerging artists. Share our message and show your support for young professionals in the arts.
Who will be receiving the assistance funds?
For this first cycle, there will be 30 recipients who will each receive an emergency relief fund of $500. These recipients are emerging artists or arts administrators who are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, heightened by the fact that they have not yet had the chance to become established in their artistic careers.
What will the money be used for?
Each recipient will receive $500 to assist with essential needs (rent, groceries, healthcare, or other "survival" expenses) as they navigate their careers in the wake of COVID-19.
EAI is a volunteer effort led by emerging artists; we do not keep any profit from donations.
See DONATE for more information.
EMERGING ARTISTS
Why emerging artists?
In the wake of COVID-19, there is a significant lack of access to emergency relief funding for young and emerging professionals in the arts. With little on-the-job experience, a lack of seniority to protect them from layoffs, and insurmountable debt, young people are at a lasting disadvantage.
APPLYING
Are you currently accepting applications?
The Emerging Artist Relief Fund is no longer accepting applications due to overwhelming demand. Stay tuned for a second funding cycle.
Who can apply?
If you are under 30 (OR) within three years of receiving a degree or certification (OR) within three years of beginning work as an arts professional; you are involved in making art (from any discipline); you have been displaced as an artist due to COVID-19; and you are in dire financial need — we encourage you to apply.
See RELIEF FUND for more information.