Below is a listing of some available Covid-19 programs to help artists, technicians, freelancers, ushers, bartenders, musicians and theater related companies in the New York area.

This website is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content on any Covid-19 related pages. These resources are provided free of charge and are for information only.

---

✅

4/21 NY Unemployment update – NY Unemployment is now sending out the extra $600 for unemployed workers who were laid off and filed their claims as W2 employees. This $600 is in addition to any state unemployment compensation that you may receive.

The above additional unemployment is different than the available $600 per week from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program which was part of the overall C.A.R.E.S. act passed by congress in March. The PUA is intended to cover gig workers, freelancers and those who make a lot of their income from 1099’s as private contractors. At this time NY is accepting PUA claims.
Click here to access NY’s website for unemployment New York Unemployment Department.

NY has a great .PDF that explains if you are eligible for PUA and can be found here Do you qualify PDF from the state?

---

State Programs

✅ Dance NYC COVID-19 Dance Relief Fund
Emergency Grant | New York City Metro Area
Dancers, Choreographers, Dance Photographers/Videographers, and Teaching Artist

✅ Indie Theater Fund Rapid Relief GRANTS due to Covid19 
Emergency Grant | New York City
Companies, Venues, and Individuals working in NYC Independent Theater

✅ Max’s Kansas City Project Emergency Grants
Emergency Grant | New York City
Artists and Arts Presenters

✅ American Theater Wing/ Obie Awards Relief Fund
Emergency Grant | New York City
Off-Broadway workers

✅  Artist Community Relief Fund 
Location: New York, New York

Abrons Arts Center and Henry Street Settlement launched this fund to support artists and arts workers who live in the following zip codes: 10002, 10009, 10013. The application is currently down, but artists can sign up to receive updates through an email newsletter.

✅ NYC Community Trust COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund
Location: New York, New York

The NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund was created to aid nonprofit service providers struggling with the health and economic effects of the coronavirus.

✅ Mayer Foundation Economic Relief Grants
Location: New York, New York

The Mayer Foundation provides grants to individual artists and nonprofits who are distressed or suffering as a result of poverty, low income or lack of financial resources.

✅ NYC Dancers Relief Fund
Location: New York, NY

This fund offers urgent relief to freelance dance artist who have suffered financial losses due to the spread of the COVID-19 and the government enforced social restrictions.

✅ Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA) Emergency Artist Fund
(New York and New Jersey)

The Afro Latin Jazz Alliance Emergency Artist Fund provides assistance to musicians and other performing artists facing the unexpected hardship of lost income from canceled shows and/or classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund will prioritize artists in New York and New Jersey from the Afro Latin and Latin Jazz musical community. Individual grants are up to $200.

✅ Emergency Funds for Undocumented Youth and Families During COVID-19 
(New York, NY)

This emergency fund is to support New York City undocumented youth and families whose livelihoods are being affected by COVID-19. Whether it’s from a decline in business for street vendors or being laid-off in domestic and restaurant jobs. Funds are currently exhausted and subjected to more donations.

✅ Indie Theater Fund Rapid Relief GRANTS due to Covid19 
(New York City)

Rapid relief grants of up to $500 will be awarded to support the theater community, prioritizing the consortium of companies, venues, and individuals working in NYC independent theater (Off-Off-Broadway in theater houses of 99 seats or less), operating with budgets under $250,000.

✅ Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund
(New York City)

The Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) administered by the Musicians’ Assistance Program (MAP). A New York State licensed social worker provides confidential social services to members and their families. It is funded by the Musicians’ ERF and administered by the Actors Fund.