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

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 RI Unemployment update – RI 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 RI is accepting PUA claims. Click here to view the department of labor’s website. Rhode Island Unemployment Department

State Programs

✅ Rhode Island Artist Relief Fund
(Rhode Island)

The Rhode Island Artist Relief Fund will award grants of up to $1,000 to help artists, teaching artists, arts administrators and other freelance arts and culture workers stay housed, fed, and safe in this time. Applicant must be a Rhode Island resident for at least one year and remain be a resident upon receipt of any grant funding.