Erie Arts & Culture announces the formation of a new Emergency Financial Assistance Fund available to creative and cultural professionals in Erie County. Through the assistance program, creative and cultural professionals, which includes artists of all disciplines, who have experienced a disruption to their income stream can request up to $500 in assistance from Erie Arts & Culture.
In 2019, Erie Arts & Culture went through the strategic planning process. Out of this came a new mission statement, “Erie Arts & Culture is committed to improving the lives of our region’s residents. We do this by leveraging the power of the arts and humanities to address the vital needs and interests of Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.”
In the spirit of our mission, Erie Arts & Culture’s staff and Board of Trustees announce the formation of a new Emergency Financial Assistance Fund available to creative and cultural professionals in Erie County. On Tuesday, March 18, the Board’s Executive Committee voted to approve establishing the fund and seeding it with $36,000, which was previously reserved for special projects. The balance of this fund will be partially renewed annually through a portion of the interest earned from the Erie Arts Endowment.
Through the newly formed assistance program, creative and cultural professionals, which includes artists of all disciplines, who have experienced a disruption to their income stream can request up to $500 in assistance from Erie Arts & Culture. Awarded funds can be used to assist with basic living expenses, such as housing, utilities, or groceries. The objective is to provide financial support in moments of crisis to those in the creative and cultural sector who may not have other financial safety nets.
To be approved for assistance, individuals must meet three key criteria.
1. Demonstrate that they are a creative or cultural professional
2. Demonstrate that they have experienced a disruption to their income stream
3. Demonstrate a need for assistance
Those who meet this criteria can apply for assistance through Erie Arts & Culture’s website below. Individuals can also make a contribution to the Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.
