SPACES Satellite Fund Emergency Relief Program–created in April when the Warhol Foundation authorized its 16 re-granting partners, including SPACES, to re-allocate funds to make grants to individual artists who have lost income due to the COVID 19 pandemic–has been extended with support from the Cleveland Foundation.  The application for a second round of support will be open May 20 – May 31. Details and a full press release are below:

 

SPACES EXTENDS EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANTS TO LOCAL ARTISTS WITH SUPPORT FROM THE CLEVELAND FOUNDATION

SPACES will initiate a second round of grants through The Satellite Fund Emergency Relief program, thanks to funding from The Cleveland Foundation and individual donors. The Cleveland Foundation has committed $50,000 toward this continued relief effort and SPACES will distribute 100% of those funds directly to artists. Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to 50 or more Cuyahoga County artists in June.

 

SPACES began The Satellite Fund Emergency Relief Grant program in April, with funding through the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The foundation authorized its sixteen re-granting partners, including SPACES, to re-allocate our $100,000 grants to create and administer COVID-19 emergency relief funds in our communities.

 

The application period for the first round of awards closed on April 24th and an independent jury of distinguished arts professionals selected 60 recipients. Awarded artists working in mediums ranging from illustration to performance art will each receive $1,000 and a SPACES Season Pass Membership. See the full list of those awarded on SPACES website (www.spacescle.org).

 

“Even before closing our first round of Emergency Grants, we knew we wanted to do more,” said Megan Young, Interim Executive Director, SPACES. “Our funding only covered about 60% of those who qualified.” Applicants described loosing income due to cancellations and many had the added strain of caring for family members. Some artists even admitted not applying so those in more dire circumstances could benefit instead.

 

John C. Williams, SPACES Board President, contacted The Cleveland Foundation for additional support. “Their response was just incredible. They understood the need and worked with us to strategize ways to respond as quickly and effectively as possible.”

 

Individual donors have stepped forward, as well. Longtime SPACES supporters have already made donations designated to The Satellite Fund Emergency Relief program and others are welcome to contribute. SPACES is accepting donations for this program through the website (www.spacescle.org/donate) or by mail. One hundred percent of all funds raised will go directly to artists in Cuyahoga County.

 

The Satellite Fund Emergency Relief program is open to artists, curators, and cultural producers who are at least 18 years of age and living in Cuyahoga County at the time of their application. If awarded, funds may be used toward living expenses, medical bills, or similar purposes. Though previously ineligible, artists enrolled in degree granting programs may apply for emergency funds in this round. Additional instructions are available on The Satellite Fund website (www.thesatellitefund.org). Applications will be accepted from May 20th – May 31st and selected artists will be notified in June. For more information about applying, please contact Cierra Rembert, SPACES Artist Outreach Coordinator: cierra@spacescle.org.