Yesterday the Australia Council delivered a glimmer of hope to the industry with the details of a Resilience Fund of approximately $5M for struggling artists and arts organisations to support their livelihoods, practice and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new measure was introduced within the Council’s existing budget after being recognised as essential during this critical period when the cultural and creative sectors are experiencing immediate and enormous challenges due to the impact of the virus.
“Last week the Australia Council suspended many investment programs and repurposed all available uncommitted funds from this financial year to immediately respond to the COVID-19 crisis,” says CEO Adrian Collette AM. “The Resilience Fund has been created to provide immediate relief to Australian artists, arts workers and arts organisations and support their livelihoods, practice and operations. We have redirected approximately $5M across three new programs: Survive, Adapt, Create.”
Within the 2020 Resilience Fund, there are three main streams for which artists can apply. Survive – small grants for individuals, groups and organisations to offset or recoup financial losses due to cancelled activity; Adapt – grants for individuals, groups and organisations to adapt their practice and explore new operating models; and Create – grants for individuals, groups and organisations to continue to create artistic work and develop creative responses in a time of disruption.
Organisations that currently receive multi-year funding from the Australia Council are unfortunately not eligible to apply. This includes National Performing Arts Partnership organisations, Four Year Funded organisations, and organisations funded under the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy.
The Council have also re-opened applications for the Arts and Disability Mentoring Initiative and have extended the deadline for applications to midnight AEST, Tuesday 14 April.
Applications for the Resilience Fund quick response opportunities open on Friday 3 April 2020. You can find out more information via the website.
