SF’s New “Arts Relief” Program: $2,000 Grants for Artists
Mayor London Breed Announces Arts Relief Program
$2.5 million in support will go to working artists and arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19
Mayor London N. Breed on Monday announced an Arts Relief Program to invest directly in working artists plus arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19.
The investment is a combination of funding strategies designed to help the arts and culture community through grants and low-interest loans to organizations and working artists most impacted by this crisis. The Arts Relief Program will be funded by an initial $2.5 million from the City.
The program will consist of two options, a grants program and low-interest loans, that will allow artists and organizations to choose what best meets their needs. The philanthropic community will be allowed to donate to these programs to expand impact.
Grants Program – Artists Can Apply for up to $2,000
$1.5 million will go towards grants to individual artists, teaching artists, and small- to mid- budget sized arts and cultural organizations administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation. The Fund will prioritize the needs of those serving cultural populations that are the most vulnerable—black, indigenous, immigrant, trans, and people with disabilities.
- Individuals may apply for up to $2,000.
- Organization awards will range from $5,000 to $25,000 and will be scaled based on budget size.
The general operating grants may be used to pay rent and salaries, to retain employees, and help keep artists and organizations in San Francisco.
Low-Interest Loans
$1 million will go towards low-interest loans to small- to mid-budget sized arts and cultural organizations administered by the Arts Loan Fund (ALF) of Northern California Grantmakers. ALF is a revolving loan program, which already makes low-interest loans to support arts and culture.
