Artist Relief Fund Raises Funds for Artists Affected by Pandemic
ArtsWestchester’s Artist Relief Fund has so far raised more than $26K for emergency grants to artists who were adversely affected by COVID-19. The number of artists supported is directly dependent on how much funding is raised. Every $500 donated equals one artist grant.
Now, artists who have received an Artist Relief Fund are speaking out about how the funds have helped them. Here’s one example – a letter from one of the grantees:
A Letter From an Artist Relief Grant Recipient
For years, I have been on the ArtsWestchester teaching roster, during which time I completed several successful residencies throughout Westchester. Also during this time I came to realize that ArtsWestchester was the greatest ally to all artists who live and create in our county.
In March of 2020, the beginning of the pandemic, I abruptly lost both of my teaching positions. When I applied for, and was granted, the [Artist Relief Fund] money, it reaffirmed my belief that ArtsWestchester is a great champion of the arts, arts organizations, and artists who at this moment need assistance more than ever.
I appreciate the hard-working and dedicated team that makes ArtsWestchester the powerful conduit for support to which everyone connected to the arts is very lucky to have access. Without your existence, the arts in Westchester would be an anemic shadow of what it is today.
On a personal note, this grant money will allow me to purchase badly needed art materials, which I would otherwise not be able to buy, and continue my lifelong artistic pursuit. For this assistance, I am eternally grateful. Thank you.
Sincerely,
R.M.
Click to hear from more Artist Relief Fund grantees:
Donate here: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/awrelieffund
Artists can apply for grants here: artswestchester.submittable.com/submit
A version of this article first appeared in the September issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.