The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (LA Plaza) Eastside Arts Initiative (EAI) recently announced that it will continue its Artist Relief Fund. The fund totals $100,000 this cycle for artist emergency relief and creative project relief grants to support individual artists serving or residing in Eastern and South-Eastern Los Angeles County who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted through May 30, 5 p.m. at www.eastsideartsinitiative.org.
In an effort to help sustain the arts community and to preserve the rich cultural arts ecology of the Eastern and South Eastern LA County region, LA Plaza EAI artist relief grants will be awarded to individual practicing artists experiencing hardship related to loss of creative work during the pandemic. Grants will be prioritized by need and eligibility. Artists of all disciplines, including creative crafts and other artistic occupations, may apply for one of two unrestricted one-time grant categories: $1,000 grant for financial emergencies due to the pandemic or up to $5,000 grant to help complete creative project halted during the pandemic due to financial restraints.
Applicants are also invited to submit a “Show Your Creativity” video along with the grant application to document how they are keeping their artistic spirit alive during the pandemic. Selected videos will be featured on En Casa Con La Plaza, LA Plaza’s virtual programming sessions. Video submission is strictly optional and not required to qualify for a relief grant. However, videos are helpful in showcasing artists’ creative work to EAI grants review committee.
During the past two funding cycles, LA Plaza EAI provided $95,000 in grant funding to support artists in need of financial assistance during the pandemic.
“There are no words to express my gratitude during one, if not the most, difficult times of my life and career,” dancer and theater artist Marissa Herrera said. Herrera received an EAI emergency relief grant during the previous granting cycle.
“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 Perez. “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.” Perez received an EAI emergency relief grant during the previous granting cycle.
Information from previous applications indicates a strong need not only for personal emergency financial assistance but, also a strong need for funding to complete unfinished creative projects due to financial loss during the pandemic. Applications received span from filmmakers to comedians, theatre technicians, musicians, writers and others in various art disciplines and occupations.
“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 LA Plaza board member.
For more information about the LA Plaza EAI artist relief grant guidelines and application, please visit www.eastsideartsinitiative.org.
— Latin Heat News Service