Financial (and other) resources for artists during COVID-19

Hi there! Here are some resources for artists during this crazy-ass time. We all need to look out for each other and help each other out. If you can hire an artist or buy their work, please do! Tag me on your Instagram story and use the hashtag #supportanartist and I’ll share what you’re selling these days (art, coaching, albums, videos, etc.) Or comment below!

If you have other resources, please share in the comments to help me help others.

And pass this along to anyone who needs it!

Financial Help:

UPDATE! SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 updates and resources Head here to listen to the podcast about relief for entertainment workers, to download ways in which the new relief bill can be used for members and other gig workers.

“SAG-AFTRA applauds Congress for passing the CARES Act today, the bipartisan coronavirus stimulus bill, which, in part, expands key benefits for professionals in the arts, entertainment and media industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. These workers are facing urgent, unique economic challenges during this crisis that were not covered in previous iterations of federal relief bills. The union has worked tirelessly to ensure SAG-AFTRA members are protected during this difficult time.”

Audrey Helps Actors interviews Miata Edoga on financial help for actors.

If you apply for help through The Actors Fund, you may be eligible for a number of different funds. For example, The Betty Mitchell Fund is for Chicago Sag-Aftra members and is distributed through The Actor’s Fund. If you fill out the application, The Actors Fund will give you the best fund you qualify for.

Looking for remote work? Check out remote.co.

This company helps people find jobs, too! builtinchicago.com

Someone on my last call mentioned Rev.com as an opportunity to work remotely. (Update: I’ve been told there is a waitlist for this now.)

My friend Jessica has been teaching English virtually for a while now. She says it's a great way to make extra money and very flexible. Check out her referral link here.

UPDATE! LAWYERS FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS

“We've created our Brief Service Response Center to provide general advice by telephone on issues relating to cancellations. The Response Center is open for individual artists and managers of arts organizations affected by the Coronavirus crisis. The application form is short, and we will attempt to respond to you in a timely manner. We ask that you please be patient as we work through the requests.” (Thanks Ruth Kaufman!)

Opportunities:

Virtual Monologue Open Call with Elizabeth Barnes (Due April 10th)

Virtual Monologue Open Call with Claire Simon

The Green Room is doing all kinds of virtual events. The most recent was with PR Casting and now Stewart Talent. They’re creating an online platform with resources being updated and webinars being posted.

Fun Stuff:

Mikey Rioux has a free coloring book pdf of their artwork for you on their website. Head to SHOP on Rioux.Work

Jess Jones who runs the Kaufherr Center with Sag-Aftra Chicago (check it out when we’re done with this whole #stayathome thing,) has a daily calendar of virtual events for everyone! If you follow Kaufherr Center on Instagram or Facebook, you can see a daily list of these events!

Did you want another picture of the actual virus? No. No, you didn’t.

I’m also doing weekly calls. Get on my mailing list or follow me on social to hear about them! It’s like I’m blowing glitter in your face, but better.

Photo by Ashland Thomas

Mental health:

Free, Online Meditations for All with Kelsey Mathes - RSVP
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11-11:30am CST

Free Webinar - 5 Steps to Start CREATING Today with Kelsey Mathes - RSVP
Thursday, March 26 at 6pm CST
Friday, March 27 & Saturday March 28 at 12pm CST

The5Bridges.com wellness coaching with Jacob Moore!

A letter from our local Sag-Aftra President Charles Andrew Gardner

As the ‘Stay at Home’ order continues, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

During this time of social distancing, it’s crucial that we remember that, although we may be separated, we are not alone. Stay connected virtually with your neighbors, friends, family and your fellow union members in Chicago and across the country. I also encourage you to visit the Kaufherr Resource Center’s webpage and social media for a calendar full of activities to keep you active and part of the community.

Please know that during this difficult time, SAG-AFTRA’s top priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our members. We are aware of the challenges many members face as production has temporarily ceased. SAG-AFTRA is regularly updating its COVID-19 resource page on the website with the latest updates so please continue to check this site.

In addition, it is critical in the coming weeks that we work together and advocate for our fellow members and our local communities. To assist members of the Chicago Local, we have compiled critical resources available to members living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin and have listed these below. This will be updated online as needed.

While this evolving situation seems to be moving quickly at times, please know your local staff is working remotely to ensure the union’s core functions, including residuals processing, continue.

Download the SAG-AFTRA member app to be the first to receive the latest news. Sign up for direct deposit so residuals are securely deposited in your bank account. Watch your emails for the latest updates and possible calls to action. Stay safe by following the advice of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the guidance of local government authorities. And please look out for one another.

In unity,

Charles Andrew Gardner
Chicago Local President

Below are just a few local resources; more can be found online here. 

Illinois Resources
Unemployment
Food Bank
Mental Health
Substance Abuse
United Way

Indiana Resources
Unemployment
Food Bank
Mental Health
Substance Abuse
United Way

Iowa Resources
Unemployment
Food Bank
Mental Health
Substance Abuse
United Way

Wisconsin Resources
Unemployment
Food Bank
Mental Health
Substance Abuse
United Way

Hope all that helps.

Sending so much love your way. I can’t wait to hug every one of you when this is over. I crave variety and being in my house 24/7 is driving me bonkers! THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

XOXOXOX,

Courtney