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

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.

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4/21 PA Unemployment update – PA 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 FPUA 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 PA is accepting PUA claims. Click here to view the department of labor’s website. Pennsylvania Unemployment Department.

State Programs

✅ Pittsburgh Arts Council Emergency Fund for Artists
Emergency Grant | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 
Artist 

✅  COVID-19 Arts Aid PHL
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This program will provide up to $500 for working artists and up to $1,000 for small arts and culture organizations in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.

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✅ Philadelphia Performing Artists’ Emergency Fund
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This fund was created to assist performing artists whose income has been impacted by show cancellations, slowing ticket sales, or low turnout during this pandemic.

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✅ Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Emergency Fund
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Artists and creative workers living in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, Lawrence, Indiana, Greene, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties are eligible to request up to $500.

✅ Philadelphia Writers Emergency Fund
(Philadelphia, PA)

A donation-based resource to provide aid to writers, independent booksellers, and those who work at independent presses that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.