A Los Angeles museum is giving $1,000 grants to artists for financial emergencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic and up to $5,000 grants to help artists complete creative projects that were halted due to financial constraints during the pandemic, officials announced Wednesday.
The Artist Relief Fund — administered by Los Angeles Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ Eastside Arts Initiative — has a total of $100,000 to give to artists who serve or reside in eastern or southeastern Los Angeles County. Grants will be given based on need and eligibility, and all types of artists may apply.
“The EAI is glad to continue supporting our local artists in need of financial assistance during these distressing times,” said Lupe Arriola, EAI chair and L.A. Plaza board member. L.A. Plaza was founded in 2015 to support local artists in eastern Los Angeles County. It has awarded nearly $1 million in grant funding since its establishment.
“My EAI artist relief grant came at a very hard time when I needed emergency financial help during this pandemic, and I am most grateful,” said musician and multi-disciplinary artist Jonathan Pere, who received an emergency relief grant during its previous cycle.
“I also appreciated seeing my video featured on En Casa Con LA Plaza along with the other videos featuring the creative work of my fellow artists,” he added.
According to EAI, previous applications demonstrated a strong need for personal financial assistance as well as the need for funding to complete an unfinished project. Applicants included filmmakers, comedians, theatrical technicians, musicians, writers and more.
Dancer and theater artist Marissa Herrera, who received an EAI grant during the previous cycle, said, “There are no words to express my gratitude during one, if not the most, difficult times of my career.”
More information about the program, its guidelines and application process can be found at eastsideartsinitiative.org.