tips and resources for freelance artists affected by covid 19
Image via: Arthandlermag
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks looking at resource lists and services for artists. They’re helpful for those who can navigate them, but an average human will not have the resources or patience. What follows is a list of tips and resources designed to save you time because the truth of the matter is, unemployment and under-employment usually sucks up more time than employment fills. What can artists who have lost their jobs do to regain financial stability? Here are the people and resources that can help you through this.
BEST WEBINARS AND WEBSITES PROVIDING UNEMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE
COVID relief for artists Zoom meeting with Congress member Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Brad Hoylman, State Assembly member Yuh-line Niou, Council member Carlina Rivera, Council member Brad Lander, Rafael Espinal, Freelancers Union, Michael Royce, New York Foundation for the Arts, Nicole Salk, Legal Services NYC, Commissioner Lorelai Salas, New York City Department of Consumer & Worker Protections, Commissioner Gregg Bishop, NYC Small Business Services. (New York specific) Video link
FAQ for freelancers applying for COVID 19 relief. (New York specific) Brad Landers.
Artist Inc webinar series for artists navigating COVID 19 relief. (Mid West specific.) MAAA.org
Hannah Cole webinars on the latest tax law changes affecting freelance artists, and how to plan your finances in an economic downturn. Sunlight Tax.
Layoff Hardship Checklist. Sunlight Tax.
NOTES ON EMERGENCY GRANTS
Most emergency grants currently provide relief in the $500 range. That’s changing due to need, but even tripled, the amount offered will not be enough for most freelancers out of work. The relief bill allocates $300 million to arts agencies, and Americans for the Arts reports an immediate loss of approximately 3.6 billion. Freelance artists affected by COVID-19 should apply for unemployment through their state (info above). Those applications are not available in all states yet, so be sure to reach out to the arts organizations in your region that support artists, and contact your local representative. It’s their job to help you.
BEST CURATED EMERGENCY GRANT LISTS
REMOTE FREELANCING
Online transcription jobs with sites like Rev have waiting lists but you can still apply. They describe the low end of the pay as roughly .30 per audio minute which typically works out to about $8 an hour. Beware of disturbing recordings. Not a living wage, but in a crunch like now it can help cover rent. More advanced typists should try Alligis.
Teaching ESL online to kids in China may work for those on the east coast (Pacific time zone tends to require work hours in the middle of the night) but the pay tends to be low. VIPKid pays $7 per 25 minute lesson and doesn’t include class prep. It takes about a week to go through the testing and enrollment process.
FACEBOOK GROUPS AND JOB BOARDS WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS
Art Opportunities, Jobs and Advice
Photography Professors (Private)