Arts Council Receives $150,000 from Foundations and Individuals to Support Artists Impacted by COVID-19

Pittsburgh -- April 22, 2020 - The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) has received nearly $150,000 for its Emergency Fund for Artists thanks to a combination of individual giving and foundation support since pivoting its fund in mid-March to support those affected by the current pandemic. However, more than $80,000 is needed in order for the Arts Council to support all incoming applicants.

Originally established in 2018, GPAC's Emergency Fund for Artists is providing up to $500 in financial assistance to artists of all disciplines experiencing loss of income due to coronavirus-related cancellations and closures. Applicants must be working artists and live in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington or Westmoreland counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania to receive funding.

"The arts community has shown its true colors during this pandemic by showing an outpouring of support for one another," said Mitch Swain, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. "Foundations, small businesses, performing artists and individuals have all supported our Emergency Fund in creative ways. We're so grateful."

Earlier this month, the Arts Council received $100,000 of the Heinz Endowments' $2.3 million emergency grants to help nonprofits that address urgent needs throughout the region during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Heinz Endowments is devoted to the mission of helping our region prosper as a vibrant center of creativity, learning, and social, economic and environmental sustainability. Core to its work is the vision of a just community where all are included and where everyone who calls southwestern Pennsylvania home has a real and meaningful opportunity to thrive.

The Arts Council also received $10,000 from the Free Expression Project and nearly $40,000 through an individual giving campaign.

"Most artists rely on paid gigs, exhibitions, residencies and events to sustain their careers and livelihoods," said Christiane Leach, GPAC's Artist Relations Manager. "The widespread but necessary cancellation of all public events and gatherings continues to impact our community and funds are still needed so we can support more artists in need."

In total nearly 500 local artists and creative workers have applied to the Arts Council's emergency fund. As of this release, 283 people have received financial support.

The emergency fund was originally created in 2018 to support artists that have experienced emergencies, such as fire, flood, accident, theft, that have impacted their ability to continue their artistic practice. The fund continues to be available for this purpose.

If you are interested in supporting the Emergency Fund for Artists and help the Arts Council meet its $80,000 funding need, you can make a donation online. You can also text "HELPART" to 243725. Standard messaging rates apply.

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