COVID-19 Updates for the Cultural Community

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April 21, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATES FOR THE CULTURAL COMMUNITY

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy https://nola.gov/cultural-economy/

 


To our Cultural Businesses, Workers, Artists, Creatives, Film Industry, and Practitioners:

During this time of crisis, we want to provide you with the most up-to-date resources for the cultural community and the wider community as well. We will be sending out these emails to link you to COVID-19 updates, grant and relief resources, and the latest news in the cultural world as things change during this time.  We hope you use these resources to preserve your businesses, gigs, and traditions, and want to let you know that we are here to support you any way we can.

It is especially important to us to reach out to and connect to our traditional culture bearers in this time. Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Brass Bands, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians, Baby Dolls, Skull and Bones, and more are integral to upholding our vitality as a community. We encourage you to reach out to us, to ask for help in utilizing any of the resources in this newsletter, and to let us know what you need. As a city, we need to come together for you are uniquely ours, who give us so much, and are responsible for so much of New Orleans' legacy, and make sure you come through this stronger than before.


Ready.nola.gov

For the most current information each day on changes, declarations from the Mayor and Governor, and what precautions you should be taking, as well as overall relief efforts such as food assistance and mental health resources, check this website. It will be updated daily. To receive COVID-19 updates on your cellular: Text COVIDNOLA to 888777. For those in the hospitality, tourism and cultural industries, find more information at New Orleans & Company www.neworleans.com.

Mayor Cantrell supports and confirms continued travel to/from work regarding maintenance for closed businesses and deems it as essential.  If questioned for reason of travel, note you are headed to/from work when it is work related.  

NOPD is out in force, (uniformed) to address reports of aggressive panhandling at businesses. 


Current April 21, 2020 News:

The Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy is kicking off "Embrace the Culture," its virtual series to showcase and support local expressions of art via visual arts, literary arts, film, music, crafts, fashion, and the culinary world and from a collaborative diverse group of artists. "We want to uplift Creatives to increase opportunities, stimulate the economy, and preserve traditions through a virtual experience. Our culture bearers serve as a beacon light of hope and we value the importance of bringing artistic expressions directly to you safe at home," said Lisa Alexis, Director of the Office of Cultural Economy. Visit us on Facebook for more!

Embrace the Culture Flyer Gary Netter Cooking Demonstration April 22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Free Meals from Port Orleans Brewing United. Pick up free curbside meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays noon-4PM from 4124 Tchoupitoulas St. This relief effort, sponsored by Port Orleans Brewing Company and partners, welcomes hospitality workers, first responders, musicians and artists and is open to anyone. The brewery's nonprofit POB United aims to provide 500 meals per day of service until our social distancing restrictions are lifted.

Culture Aid NOLA Free Food Distribution. Culture Aid NOLA, in partnership with the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans, New Orleans Musicians' Clinic & Assistance Foundation,  504HealthNet, and Trinity Mobile Loaves and Fishes, will be running a free meal distribution on Saturdays from 9:00am-12:00pm at Holy Angels (3500 St Claude). No tax forms, paperwork or ID needed, open to all.

The New Orleans Business Alliance launched a Gig Economy Fund. The criteria and required documents have changed. Currently, they are not accepting new applications and dealing with a backlog. More information can be found here: https://www.nolaba.org/relief-fund

WWOZ presents Jazz Festing In Place. WWOZ will broadcast eight hours a day every day that the Jazz Festival was originally scheduled. Tune in April 23-26 and April 30-May 3. More information here.

The New Orleans Film Society is streaming a new film every Thursday with each film available for two weeks. More information here.

KID smART has launched its Art Apart series on YouTube. These videos include creative activities you can do at home. Visit https://www.youtube.com/user/KIDsmARTnola/playlists.

COVID-19 Business For All Grants. These $10,000 emergency grants are being distributed immediately to small business owners affected by the pandemic. Apply here: https://businessforall.helloalice.com/signup.

WWOZ OnlineWire Virtual Gig Calendar can help you find virtual gigs to stream and provides a link to tip performers, as well as allow performers to sign up for the calendar and tip app.  For more information, click here.

New Orleans Brass Band Musicians Relief Fund. This fund provides monetary support for brass band musicians to fill the gap left by cancelled gigs in the wake of COVID-19. For more information, and to apply, click here.

Equal Sound has launched a Corona Relief Fund for musicians who have lost income due to cancelled gigs. For more information, and to apply, click here.

The Foundation for Contemporary Arts is giving emergency grants to contemporary artists affected by COVID-19. You must be a contemporary or experimental artist, and performers are not eligible. For full requirements and more information, click here.

The Actors Fund. This fund provides monetary support for performance arts and entertainment arts nationwide. For more information, and to apply, click here.

COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers. Americans for the Arts has developed a survey to measure the impact of COVID-19 on the finances and creative production of the cultural sector. The survey will help determine funding for Artist Relief, see below. Take the survey here.

Artist Relief distributing $5000 Grants. This fund distributes $5000 grants to artists facing dire emergencies due to COVID-19. For more information, and to apply for funding, click here.

The Artist Relief Project is an initiative offering relief to artists, musicians, and performers impacted by COVID-19. For more information and to apply, click here

Audio Assemble has put together a list of online resources and remote opportunities for US-based musicians during the COVID-19 outbreak, including short-term and long-term job opportunities. 

The Blues Foundation has created the COVID-19 Blues Musician Emergency Relief Fund to assist blues musicians. For more information and to apply, click here.

Backline connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness providers. During this time, they have established a virtual support group that meets regularly through the Zoom app.

Platforms Fund is offering $2,000 individual emergency relief grants to local creators. This initial support seeded the Creative Response Relief Fund, which in addition to Antenna and Ashé Cultural Arts Center, now includes the efforts of Junebug Productions and the Weavers Fellowship, pooling resources to distribute a total of $190,000 in support within the greater New Orleans region. Apply to Creative Response Relief Fund

COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources includes links to sources of grants, advocacy and legal information, and more. Make sure to check out their extensive list of city-by-city emergency fund opportunities.  https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/

The Recording Academy and MusiCares have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help our peers in the community affected by the Coronavirus. https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/covid-19-relief-fund-faq
Substack offering $100,000 in grants for independent writers. See this page and apply here.
 
The New Orleans Box Office wants you to submit your online dance or theater show to its online listing. Information available here.
 
The Contemporary Arts Center Call for Artists: Invitation for contemporary visual artists living across the Gulf South to submit to this year's open call for submissions for Make America What America Must Become. Artists who currently live and work in LA, TX, AL, MS, FL are eligible to apply. Eligible artists living in Louisiana are encouraged to apply. In support of artists seeking opportunities during and after this health crisis, the CAC has extended the application deadline to April 30, 2020 and is waiving all membership and application fee requirements. The exhibition has been rescheduled to open in Fall '20.
 
Drive-up food pantry for local hospitality and gig economy workersCouncilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, Evacuteer, and Culture Aid NOLA:

WHEN/WHERE:
Tuesday, April 7, 14, 21 and 28
9AM to 12PM
Connect Church of Algiers
1110 Kabel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131 (enter on Hyman Place behind the church)
 
Thursday, April 9, 16, 23 and 30
9AM to 12PM
Holy Angels
3500 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117
 
Saturday, April 4, 11, 18 and 25
9AM to 12PM
Holy Angels
3500 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117
Meals for Musicians & Service Industry at the Howlin’ WolfThis New Orleans-based program is offering food vouchers to affected musicians and service workers. Premade meals will be available for curbside pickup every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Howlin' Wolf Den. Those interested can email services@nomaf.org for more information. 
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities ​is holding two free webinars for individuals and non-profit organizations interested in applying for a Rebirth Grant
 
Guy Fieri Launches Relief Fund to Give $500 Checks to Restaurant Workers Affected by Coronavirus. To apply for a grant, go to rerf.us.

Louisiana Economic Development’s resource page is a great source of opportunities in the entertainment industry.  They have also included an entertainment specific page that you can look at and refer interested individuals to directly.  https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/covid19

Trixie Minx Productions has started a tip page for their network of musicians, dancers, drag performers, circus performers, and more. https://www.trixieminx.com/just-the-tips
 
Want to learn film in 40 days under quarantine? Mark Cousins has the virtual course for you.

Watch ARRI Master Classes for free, plus a list of "free"' software in response to COVID-19 here.

The NOJO Musicians Relief Fund is asking for donations. All funds will go to musicians. Donate here.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is offering assistance to hospitality workers and their families: https://www.gnof.org/service-and-hospitality-employee-family-program/


Culture Aid Nola (CAN) is a new organization that provides meals to New Orleans workers in the cultural and hospitality industries affected by the coronavirus-induced economic downturn. CAN is a partnership between the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans, New Orleans Musicians' Clinic & Assistance Foundation, No Hunger NOLA, 504HealthNet, Trinity Mobile Loaves and Fishes and other organizations. It aims to prioritize feeding workers who may not be eligible for other aid programs, like bartenders, dishwashers, tour guides, street performers, artists and musicians. Those who would like to receive a meal kit from the program can fill out a form on CAN’s website. 

New Hotline for Louisiana Businesses Louisiana Economic Development has launched a new hotline for Louisiana businesses. Companies can call 225-342-4321 between 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. with their questions related to the impact of the coronavirus.

Looking for Work? - In the wake of economic changes that have taken place as a result of the coronavirus, some companies are in need of workers. GNO, Inc. has compiled a running list on WorkNOLA.com of companies looking to fill immediate labor needs.

Utilities to Suspend Shutoffs, Late Fees: The S&WB, Entergy New Orleans and our major telecom providers have agreed to suspend shutoffs and late fees for at least 60 days during the coronavirus pandemic. Customers are still responsible for paying their bills, however if they are unable to do so during the crisis, the utilities will not shut off service or add late fees. 

Internet Options for K-12 Students, Other Vulnerable Residents: Residents who do not currently have access to the internet at home may be eligible for new low-cost programs from AT&T and Cox

Grants are available through United Way for our hospitality workers. $500 one time grant for hospitality workers Online application starts Saturday March 21.

Louisiana Businesses Now Eligible for Disaster Loans Through Small Business Association. You can apply for the assistance here.

Waitr is offering contract employment to restaurant workers impacted by closures.  Go to their website (waitrapp.com) and select "Become a Driver".

The Louisiana Travel Association has gathered COVID-19 resources here. Includes a way to share your updates if you're in the travel industry.

Nola Tip Party allows you to virtually tip those bartenders that you know and love, in a city where bars are a part of our culture.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is responding to the disaster with unemployment insurance. Both employers who have had to let go of employees and employees who have lost work need to register to check eligibility. Workers who have not been laid off can still apply. More info is here: https://ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus/resources/

Alcohol and Tobacco Control will expedite the issuance of Delivery Permits

For restaurants, StayLocal and New Orleans & Company are working to use their platforms to allow businesses to share information about to-go and curbside options at their restaurants.

A Facebook group curated by The Times Picayune-New Orleans Advocate is encouraging businesses to post here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereNOLAeats/.

The City will be encouraging businesses to use the hashtag #nolaopen to share to-go and curbside options.


Film, Artist, and Creatives Resources:

Creative Capital has compiled a list of links for relief funds, grants and other funding sources for various types of creatives.  The full list is available here.

Arts Council of New Orleans has complied a list of links for relief resources: http://www.artsneworleans.org/opportunity/creatives-relief-resources/

Louisiana Workforce Commission - www.louisianaworks.net/hire

Bartender's Association - www.usbgfoundation.org

United Way - www.louisianahospitality.org

Small Business Association - www.sba.gov

MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund for Music Community

National Performance Network COVID-19 Resources

Americans for the Arts Research and Response Center

 
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