(Above: Painting by Eugene artist David Placencia)
Lane Arts Council created the Lane County Artist Relief Fund to provide critical aid to local artists struggling financially as a result of the shutdown. Any individual who receives income as a contracted artist or teaching artist, lives in Lane County, and has lost income due to COVID-19 safety measures is eligible to apply. Artists can apply for up to $250 in support every 30 days.
Like others across the world, our community is reeling from the effects of both a public health emergency and an economic shutdown. Local artists, in particular, are being deeply impacted by social isolation measures. Artists typically earn their living through gigs, pop-up markets, and contract work. If these events are cancelled, their income is lost. Artists have shared that they are already feeling financially insecure and worry about how they will get by in this challenging time.
“We as artists depend on the sales of our art to make money,” local artist and founder of WheelHaus Arts, David Placencia, said. “My opportunities have all been cancelled. Now my art is stacked up in my studio.”
Likewise, Lane Arts Council Teaching Artist Maiya Becker said, “I was scheduled to teach over 800 students at 3 schools during the remainder of March and April. I don’t anticipate that these residencies will be rescheduled for this school year. Losing this work will have a significant impact on me and my family. Like many, the stress of having no income compounds the stress of COVID-19.”
The success of this fund is completely dependent on community support. Many have already stepped up to give generously, to spread the word to community members and artists in need, and to amplify the call for much-needed donations through their own networks.
Full information, including the artist application for the fund and the link to donate, can be found at lanearts.org/lane-county-artist-relief-fund.
