In an effort to combat the declining opportunities for gigs, gallery work, performances, exhibitions, commissioned projects, workshops, and art sales — on April 9 the Creative Impact: Capital Region Artist Fund was launched.
The fund is presented by Acting with Aaron, Albany Barn, Albany Center Gallery, Arts Center of the Capital Region, Collectiveffort, Creative Action Unlimited, D. Colin, Youth FX, and with support by Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and United Way of the Greater Capital Region.
“It has been such a pleasure working with fellow creatives to support and help artists in need," said Acting with Aaron's Aaron Moore. "The Creative Impact Project shows the awesome power that our community has when we join together. This project is going to impact this community in such a way and I can't wait to see the outcome. “Art must reflect the times we live in.” “What makes this project so exciting is that it not only brings together arts patrons to provide straightforward access to funds for artists right now, but it builds infrastructure that artists can use in perpetuity to generate income, without putting the strain of building the system on any one artist," said Albany Barn and Electric City Barn Executive Director Kristen Holler. "If $100 now can hold someone over while they wait on additional relief, that’s great! But if we help an artist access tools to make a faster pivot to sharing creative work at a distance, that’s a long term win for the artist, and the entire community.”
This fund was created to help alleviate some of the financial stress artists are enduring. Payments to artists will be in the form of $100 Visa Gift Cards and will continue to be distributed to artists until funds have been depleted. At this time, there is a limit of one payment per artist to ensure fair opportunity for the magnitude of artists in the region. The more that is raised, the more that can be given to artists.
Eligibility Guidelines: An individual artist/creative from the four counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady who is suffering financial losses due to canceled events and projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in all disciplines, is invited to apply. (i.e. performances, readings, workshops, gigs, commissioned work, or other like opportunities). Funding and interest dependent, it may expand to include the other counties of the Capital Region as well, in the near future. Proof of address will be requested.
Artists who apply also have the opportunity to sell their art on Albany Barn’s website, and/or participate in Collectiveffort’s TV live stream series. The applications by artists will be reviewed weekly by members of the application committee (Kristen Holler of Albany Barn, Tony Iadicicco of Albany Center Gallery, Belinda Colón of Arts Center of the Capital Region, and Patrick Harris of Collectiveffort) with payments distributed a few days after approval.
If you are a creative or know of an artist in need and would like to apply, visit
forms.gle/Jx2wsVkocHRQLGj88
If you would like to donate to the fund to sustain the arts and culture of the region, visit
https://www.unitedwaygcr.org/creative-impact
Join the Facebook group: Creative Impact: Capital Region Artist Support Group here,
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/586230128629918/)
Or text “CREATIVEIMPACT” to 91999 to get a link to its contribution page.
“The fact that during these hard times a bunch of cool creatives were able to come together and make something uplifting, and financially impactful for the local creative economy really speaks to how deeply rooted artists are in this community," said Albany Center Gallery Director Tony Iadicicco. "We have each other’s backs because we know how essential art is to the voice of the region. Art uplifts and supports communities in good times, but also during times of struggle — like now with COVID19. The Creative Impact Project is the result of local creatives and arts organizations coming together through collaboration and thoughtful partnership to support individual artists by raising funds to get them paid.” “Galleries remains shuttered and venues are closed for the health and well-being of everyone in our community,” said United Way of the Greater Capital Region President and CEO Peter Gannon. "This fund will provide direct support to the individuals who fill these spaces with their work and we are happy to play a small part of giving back to the people who give us so much.”