Anne Arundel County and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County launched a grant program allocating $267,500 in Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to local artists to assist with ongoing financial losses sustained due to COVID-19.
Anne Arundel County-based independent, professional artists can apply for one-time grants up to $2,500 to assist with ongoing financial losses sustained due to COVID-19.
A recent study conducted by Americans for the Arts discussed the pandemic’s devastating impact on the art sector. 37% of artists were unable to access or afford food at some point during the pandemic and 58% were unable to afford medical care. The arts as a whole continues to recover slower than other industries. 95% percent of independent artists experienced income loss due to pandemic closures, cancellations, and restrictions, with the decline in estimated total annual income per creative worker averaging $27,103. Many artists, most of whom are self-employed and have little or no economic safety net, are still struggling to recover from these losses.
“We have seen how art can bring people together,” said County Executive Pittman. “Local artists play an important role in making our county a more beautiful place to live and I am honored to support their recovery.”
According to a County press release:
The Arts Council will begin accepting applications through an online portal available at www.acaac.org on November 1, 2022. The application period will close on November 30, 2022. A virtual information session will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 1:00 pm to provide applicants with an opportunity to ask questions.
