Resources for Responding to COVID-19 in New York City
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A.R.T./New York is compiling resources for theatre companies, independent producers, freelance artists, and the general public in light of the spread of COVID-19 in New York City. We will update this page regularly with resources from the City and peer institutions, as well as with pertinent news developments. If you have a resource you would like to add to this page, please email [email protected].
To see closed programs and previously shared materials, please visit the Archived Coronavirus Resource page.
A.R.T./New York Virtual Theatre Base:
Online Performances, Classes, & Events
A.R.T./New York is compiling all of the ways the nonprofit theatre community is still cultivating connection and sharing art online. Browse our catalog of online and alternative programming here, including but not limited to: Live-streamed and Pre-recorded performances, classes, and more!
Explore the catalog »
Last updated: May 7, 2021
Stimulus Bill Updates
The second stimulus bill passed in December 2020 included a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP2) that is open to new and previous borrowers who meet the eligibility criteria, and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) previously known as the Save Our Stages Act. Further information about both programs and resources are included below.
Understanding New Federal COVID Relief Funding
This webinar includes an overview of relevant components of the new relief legislation specifically for the theatrical industry, including the second round of PPP funding and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). Hosted by A.R.T./New York with Karen Kowgios of Withum, Smith+Brown and PC (Practice Leader, Theatre, Entertainment and the Arts). Recorded on January 26, 2021.
Accessing PPP, SVOG, and More Webinar
TCG hosted a webinar for all theatres with a cross-sector group of arts leaders focused on the current PPP and SOS opportunities, as well as newly expanded Employee Retention Tax Credits (ERTC), and additional advocacy opportunities with the new administration. Released January 19, 2021.
Cross Program Eligibility Chart
A summary of criteria that must be met when considering different funding options.
Payment Protection Program (PPP) Resources
Your Potential Refund Under the Employee Retention Tax Credit
National Council of Nonprofits has a summary of the Employee Retention Tax Credit, and the changes to that program in the most recent stimulus bill - including the ability to claim that tax credit if you also received a PPP loan.
SBA & Treasury Official PPP Reopening Press Release
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced on January 8, 2021 that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Last updated January 8, 2021.
Dime Community Bank Loan Assistance
We are pleased to share that Dime Community Bank is accepting applications from eligible A.R.T./New York member theatres who did not apply to the last round of the Paycheck Protection Program. You should complete an application as soon as possible through this portal. If it requests a referral code, please reach out to Corinne Woods for that information.
How Does the New PPP Law Impact Nonprofits?
Fiscal Strength for Nonprofits provides a brief overview of the new PPP law, including retroactive changes to the forgiveness process, eligibility requirements, special rules, and exclusions. Last updated January 9, 2021.
SBA’s Second Draw PPP Loans
Small Business Administration’s landing page for PPP Loan details, qualifications, and links to apply.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Program (SVOG)
SVOG Application Portal - Apply Here
SVOG Application Webinar
This archived informational webinar highlights the opening of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application which is scheduled for Thursday, April 8, 2021. It covers what documentation eligible entities will need to apply for a SVOG, insight on what the SVOG application process will look like and more. This webinar originally aired on March 30, 2021.
FAQ for Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Program
A PDF of frequently asked questions (FAQs) relating to the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant (SVOG) Program. Last updated on April 23, 2021. Withum also shares some helpful insights gleaned from them here.
Save our Stages Act – Impact for Theatrical Productions
While the application for the SVOG program is not yet available, Withum provides suggestions of steps to take now while awaiting the application. Published on January 8, 2021.
Curtains Up NYC: Free Application Assistance
Curtains Up NYC is a City of New York program that offers free application assistance for NYC businesses and nonprofits connected to live performance applying for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program of the federal government.
Financial Assistance & Funding
Actors Fund Emergency Assistance
The Entertainment Assistance Program functions as an entryway and guide through The Fund’s many programs when you’re facing personal or work-related problems.
Artist Relief Fund
To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States.
The Barbara and Carl Zydney Grant for Artists with Disabilities
The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) has announced the launch of The Barbara and Carl Zydney Grant for Artists with Disabilities. This program will provide unrestricted cash grants of $1,000 to artists with a disability ages 21 and older who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis. The program is open to visual, media, music, performing, and literary artists who live in New York City’s five boroughs.The application will open on Tuesday, May 4 at 10:00 AM EDT and close on Tuesday, June 15 at 5:00 PM EDT. Please visit NYFA’s website for full details and eligibility requirements.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
This fund will help entertainment professionals meet coronavirus-related expenses and other challenges brought about by the evolving pandemic.
Chronicle of Philanthropy: Stimulus Bill Provides Nonprofit Loans, Grants, and One-Year ‘Universal Deduction’
This article details how the new stimulus bill will affect nonprofit organizations.
DGF Emergency Grants for Writers
DGF is processing Emergency Grants based on severity of need, especially as it relates to COVID-19. DGF is sensitive to the inherent economic challenges that will arise in relation to CDC recommendations for social distancing.
Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers & tip-based workers
Glad Day has set up an emergency fund to help LGBTQ2S artists, performers & tip-based workers. This fund is not meant to help people recover lost income.
FCA Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund
For as long as funds are available, the Foundation will disburse one-time $2,000 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the pandemic.
Financial Urgent Care
In response to a prevalent need in the community for immediate and comprehensive financial relief for arts nonprofits and individual artists, Financial Urgent Care will now offer pro bono financial assistance for artistic entities with annual operating budgets under $125,000.
FMA's Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Toolbox
The FMA released a list of resources to help organizations navigate the federal PPP application.
Foundation Directory Online
This resource directory is currently offering access to its Essentials page free of charge to artists.
Fractured Atlas: Emergency Resources for Artists
This resource list includes information on both regional and national relief efforts.
Gottlieb Emergency Grants
The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation.
Group BR’s Brazilian Artist Fund
Offering one time grants for Brazilian artists that have lost income due to pandemic closures
How to Apply for the Coronavirus Business Loan- ON HOLD
Fundera offers this guide on how to apply for the Small Business Association's loan program. Please note that this program is on hold until further PPP programs are announced.
Musicians Foundation
The Musicians Foundation provides grants to U.S. musicians in any genre in a time of acute need due to personal, medical, dental, or family crisis, natural disaster, or other emergency situation.
NYC Department of Small Business
11/25/2020 - Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced three financial assistance programs available for small businesses in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. The NYC LMI Storefront Loan, Interest Rate Reduction Grant, and Strategic Impact COVID-19 Commercial District Support Grant will provide critical resources to small businesses to help them build back and grow beyond the pandemic.
NYS Unemployment Application
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.
One Fair Wage — Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.
PAAL Emergency Fund for Artists with Families
All donations made to PAAL will go to artists with families in need of financial support.
SAG-AFTRA Disaster Relief Fund
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (MPPWF) have a COVID-19 Disaster Fund to provide urgent financial support to SAG-AFTRA members and families affected by this global pandemic.
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
Federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters.
Advocacy
Impact Surveys & Results
Education
Online Tools for Arts & Culture Engagement
A.R.T./New York Virtual Theatre base: Online Performances, Classes, & Events
A.R.T./New York is compiling all of the ways the nonprofit theatre community is still cultivating connection and sharing art online. Browse our catalog of online and alternative programming here, including but not limited to: Live-streamed and Pre-recorded Performances, Classes, and more!
Creating Virtual Theatre: A One-Sheet
A.R.T./New York has compiled a guide on the available web tools to host your online programs, performances, and events.
Culturebot: An Inventory of Lost and Delayed Art
Submit your postponed or cancelled show here.
Great Performances' Catalog of Online Performances
To help us all stay connected—and perhaps experience new cultural experiences—Great Performances has rounded up some of their favorite digital resources from across New York City.
Performap
Performap.com is an Interactive Digital Map of Global Theatre and Performance Festivals developed by TheTheatreTimes.com, a global theatre portal. With hundreds of festivals browsable and searchable by festival location, type, and date, Performap is the first extensive digital index of its kind in the field, built expressly for artists, audiences, critics, scholars, festival organizers, curators, and presenters from around the world. Performap also includes reports written by local writers and traveling reporters published by The Theatre Times.
The Social Distancing Festival
A site for celebrating artists and the work that has been cancelled/delayed/disrupted.
Trickle Up
A subscription platform for viewing new content that also directly supports artists.
Virtual Museum Tours For People Stuck at Home
If you've exhausted your Netflix watchlist and are feeling restless, take a virtual tour of a museum!
Virtual NYC
NYCgo gathered online resources from museums, galleries, comedy clubs, theaters and other venues so that you can experience the best of New York City virtually.
Virtual Theatre Education Resources: The Epic Crowdsourced List
A crowdsourced list of resources for arts educators, including digital teaching tools, lessons organized by grade level, and resources specific to focus areas, like set design and directing for the virtual space.
Resources for Artists, Arts Organizations, and Freelancers
Abrons Arts Center COVID-19 Relief Resources
Abrons Arts Center provides important resources ranging from mutual aid funds for individuals to grants for small arts organizations.
Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Resource and Response Center
Up-to-date news and resources for the arts and culture field.
Annuity's Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances
Annuity is providing free financial content on the novel coronavirus's impact on the economy, small businesses, federal benefits, and more.
Ark Behavioral Health
up to date resources for mental and behavioral health, including substance abuse.
The Civilians' List of Resources for Freelance Artists
The Civilians has pulled together lists of resources for artists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including emergency grants, job opportunities, and more.
CUCS Connects food stamps, income assistance and more
COVID-19 Freelance Artists Resources
This is a crowd-sourced, shared Google Doc with resources on preparation, emergency funding, health and mental health resources, and more.
Creative Capital: List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Creative Capital has created a list of resources for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals.
Dealhack's List of Free Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A compilation of websites, educational institutions, and other businesses that offer free services and programs not just for home-based learning but also for your general well-being throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Force Majeure Under the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Force majeure clauses excuse a party’s nonperformance under a contract when extraordinary events prevent a party from fulfilling its contractual obligations. Learn more about how this could affect your insurance policies and claims.
Fractured Atlas: Emergency Resources for Artists
This resource list includes information on both regional and national relief efforts.
Lawyers Alliance — Coronavirus Information
Lawyers Alliance provides legal assistance and information to strengthen nonprofits that are providing critical human and social services throughout New York City during this unusual time.
Livestreaming Panel: Artists In a Time of Global Pandemic (ASL & Captioned)
For US-Based freelance artists and cultural workers in all disciplines. March 16 @ 8:00pm EST.
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation COVID-19 Resources
The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation has compiled a list of arts service organizations who are also providing resources in response to the coronavirus.
Mental Health Resources
From the New York State Office of Mental Health, learn about managing anxiety in difficult times, coronavirus-related guidance for healthcare providers, and how you can volunteer to help.
National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response: Resources for COVID-19
NCAPER is a voluntary task force of national, regional, state, and local arts organizations, public agencies, and foundations. The Coalition helps ensure that artists, arts/cultural organizations, cultural funders, and arts businesses have the capacity and ability to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies affecting the arts and culture sector.
NEA Resource List for Artists and Organizations
This list includes information on arts service organizations who are providing frequently updated news and resources for artists and arts organizations (including A.R.T./New York!).
New York State Resources for Arts and Culture
NYSCA's resource page for COVID-19.
NYC COVID Care
All essential workers, their families, and any uninsured individuals in the New York City Metro area are eligible to receive support from NYC Covid Care, a mutual aid network of 3,000+ mental, emotional, and spiritual support professionals.
NYS Unemployment Application
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.
The Recovery Village Teletherapy
In order to continue to assist those in recovery and decrease the spread of COVID-19, The Recovery Village has launched a Teletherapy Program. Those is need now have access to one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and various online services virtually with a licensed professional, improving their chances of a successful recovery.
Resources for Remote Work — COVID 19 2020
A crowd-sourced Google Doc with resources for finding remote work.
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) Resource List
This extensive resource page includes information on emergency funding, health and safety, as well as region-specific resources.
Sunshine Behavioral Health Telehealth and Online Mental Health Resources
This resource discusses how people in recovery can still receive treatment and support during quarantine and shelter-in-place orders.
Theatre Resources for Isolation
A list of things to read, watch, listen, write, and more during isolation.
UC Berkeley Mental Health Resources to Help Prevent Creative and Professional Burnout/strong>
Information and resources about dealing with burnout as a creative professional.
Header: Blessed Unrest's Production of The Snow Queen. Photo by Maria Barinova.