IDCA - Emergency Funding and Resources for the Creative Sector During COVID-19 Outbreak

 Emergency Funding and Resources for the Creative Sector During COVID-19 Outbreak

 
Here at the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, our mission is to help Iowans build culturally vibrant communities, even – and especially – in tough times. Art, music, film and history help us connect with each other even when we’re physically apart.
 
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of critical resources currently available to help Iowa artists, musicians, cultural organizations and small businesses navigate the next few weeks and months.
 
At the federal level, Congress is working to pass the CARES Act, which includes additional resources for individuals, independent contractors, self-employed workers, small businesses and nonprofits. As those resources become available, we will pass them along. Please follow the links below to find:
 

• The Iowa Small Business Relief Program for financial assistance and tax deferrals. Applications are due March 31.

 

• Unemployment assistance for Iowa employees and employers affected by reduced hours or layoffs.

 

• Resources for artists and arts organizations from numerous groups across the country.

 

• Resources for artist organizations, compiled by Common Field.

 

• Targeted Small Business Sole Operator Fund for small businesses.

 

• Arts Education Partnership for arts educators.

 

• Emergency grants specifically for musicians. Applications are due April 30.

 

• State grants for cultural projects. Application deadlines range from April 15 through May 1.

 

• Additional grants for cultural projects from funders across the country.

 

• Recommendations and tips for museums, libraries, galleries and other cultural organizations.

 
Additionally, Iowans who support arts and culture can help in many important ways:
 

• Buy a membership or season tickets for your local arts and cultural nonprofit. Shop online or buy gift cards to Iowa museum gift shops, galleries and art-supply stores.

 

• Donate the cost of canceled event tickets back to the venue.

 

• Donate to artist relief funds, such as CERF+.

 

• Shop online for art and music by Iowa artists on sites like Etsy, Bandcamp or online exhibitions like “Pandemic Faire,” featuring Iowa Artist Fellow Molly Wood.

 

• Commission an Iowa artist to create new artwork for your home or hire a musician for online lessons for you or your children. Find one you like by searching for #IowaArts or #IowaArtist on social media.

 

• Take an #IowaCulture Coffee Break at 3 p.m. every weekday on Facebook to show your support for Iowa artists, musicians and museums.

 

• Sign up for newsletters from the Iowa Cultural Coalition and encourage support for arts and culture, including assistance for self-employed artists small businesses and federally funded groups like the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.

 
In addition to the resources above, the state has created a new website where you can find information about COVID-19 in Iowa.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff. We are here to help.
 
Take care,
 
Chris Kramer
Director, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
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