Along with other community and business sectors, the arts and culture sector–and artists–in Howard County are feeling the staggering economic effects of COVID-19. With strict social distancing guidelines in place to stem the spread of the virus, public gatherings are banned, venues are closed, and performances, events, workshops, classes, and gigs are being canceled. Artists who work from gig to gig are losing income and their ability to support themselves and their families. The Arts Council and its generous donors are addressing the urgent needs of individual artists by providing immediate assistance through the Howard County Artist Relief Fund. The Relief Fund will assist these artists through small, expedited grants of up to $250.
Artists who reside or have maker spaces in Howard County and earn income partially or fully through gigs and freelance work that has been lost due to COVID-19 are eligible to apply. Artists must be able to both demonstrate loss and that they live or have a maker space in Howard County. At this time, due to the limited amount of relief funds available, each artist is limited to one grant request.