North Oregon Coast Artist Relief Fund- COVID-19

ABOUT THIS FUNDRAISER

Art is healing. Especially during times of uncertainty when it can be hard to put into words just how deeply a worldwide event like this affects our local community members. As a freelance artist, creative mental health professional, and arts educator working and living here full time on the coast, I've witnessed firsthand the importance of the arts and the humanities for all ages while working directly with the creative community. 

Equally important is supporting our health and safety. A lot of people are staying close to home in order to try to prevent the spread of this virus that can be devastating to our chronically ill/ imuno-compromised, disabled, or older  community members. 

A STRONG ARTIST COMMUNITY

Artists are a powerful and beloved force here on the North Oregon Coast, making up a large portion of our event and self-employed economy. Many of our small coastal towns along Highway 101 are woven together by the love of the arts and a community that supports! However, the coast can be a rough and rugged area to live and work- in financially in everyday life, with many professionals and businesses receiving most of their funding during tourist seasons and scheduled events (Spring Break, Summer.) Artists already struggle to survive in this economy, normally.  Additionally, while an incredible community resource, grants are often inaccessible to individual working artists due to tax and other qualifications. 

Artists are among those who will not be getting back pay or paid time off because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to safety and health closures.

If a local event, gig, show, or opening is canceled or postponed- and many have been already in just the past 72hrs- artists in effect do not receive an income and often do not have access to worker benefits such as PTO or sick leave. With the widespread cancellation of major events here in cities ranging from Astoria to Manzanita, OR many individuals and their families are vulnerable to lost wages while protocols for closures and social distancing are implemented. Consider some artists also supplement their careers and income in the service industry, an economy that is also being greatly affected.

Actors, musicians, DJ’s, dancers, photographers, independent chefs, caterers, writers, muralists, visual artists, teaching artists & more- all of these creatives’ jobs rely on people showing up for events that are needing to be canceled.  This trend and its impact is likely to be felt well beyond the Spring season. These creative people are what make our area so vibrant and they need your help!

DONATE!

If you enjoy the PNW Coast because of the creative energy, and have the resources to do so at this time, please consider donating to this fund with the goal of helping local artists. Priority will be given towards those who are self-employed, immuno-compromised, disabled, or chronically ill living/working in the NW Oregon Coast and have lost income due to COVID-19.

 All funds raised will be disbursed to people  (beneficiaries)  who apply for support as soon as possible, via the below survey. Support is dependent on what is received and is therefore not guaranteed. Funds will go directly to the artists to counter any lost income incurred as a result of cancelled jobs, gigs, and illnesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the area.  

Thank you so much for donating and sharing this fundraiser with your networks! 

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If you are an artist in need of funds, Click Here  to take the survey and apply.

For more resources, please visit this database  serving artists and freelancers of various disciplines.