Financial resources for creatives, selected by Studio-in-Place artists Virginia Sitzes and Danny Joe Rose III
Through Oklahoma Contemporary's Studio-in-Place digital residency program, select Studio School instructors spend one month working on projects related to themes of creativity, community and resilience in the time of COVID-19.
It's a tough time to be an artist. As many galleries and cultural institutions have been forced to close their doors to protect public health in the wake of COVID-19, many creatives are finding themselves with fewer opportunities. That's partly why Oklahoma Contemporary launched our Studio-in-Place digital residency program, designed to employ working artists and connect them with the public during this time of physical distancing.
With these tough times in mind, we asked this month's Studio-in-Place artists Virginia Sitzes and Danny Joe Rose III to round up a few resources offering financial relief for artists. The list below is not exhaustive, but it includes a variety of local and national organizations that can help in a variety of ways. If you or someone you know could use a financial boost to facilitate projects, offset emergency costs or otherwise maintain an art practice, these organizations are a great place to start.
Organized in 1988, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) helps artists realize their potential through education, exposure and funding.
"Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists."
"This list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to: actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers & playwrights, photographers, etc."
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC)
"The purpose of OVAC’s granting program is to foster Oklahoma’s visual artistic creative excellence. The grants committee supports the mission of OVAC and scores submissions based on the merit of each application according to the pertinent grant category and its associated criteria. Grant recipients must have held at least 12 months residency in Oklahoma prior to the submission deadline."
"The Artists’ Fellowship provides emergency aid to professional fine artists and their families in times of sickness, natural disaster, bereavement or unexpected extreme hardship."
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts.
Foundation for Contemporary Arts
"In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the artist community, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts is creating a temporary fund to meet the needs of experimental artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions. For as long as our Board of Directors determines it is necessary and prudent to do so, the Foundation will disburse one-time $1,500 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the pandemic."
Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
"This fund is for US-based BIPOC (Black Indigenous people of color) artists and administrators. This is a one-time micro grant of $200."
"The Oklahoma Arts Emergency Resource Page lists national, regional, state, and local resources available to artists and organizations affected by crisis or emergency situations. Resources are updated as crises occur to match needs for each situation."
"The Haven Foundation is a charitable foundation that assists people who have made their living as freelance artists but have run into a difficult period because of illness, injury or mishap and need a helping hand to get back on their feet again."
Danny Joe Rose III is an artist and educator living in Oklahoma City, best known for his shapeshifting paintings and minimalist collages. His work is inspired by colors and forms found in nature, specifically landscapes and memories from his travels.
He holds a BFA from the Art Institute of Dallas, and his work has been included in both national and international group exhibitions. Danny has had solo exhibitions at Jen Mauldin Gallery, Artspace at Untitled, The Charles W Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, Galleri Urbane and others. Danny has been a visiting educator at Oklahoma City University, Chandra Kumala International School and Art Class Dallas, and he will soon join the Oklahoma Contemporary as a Studio School instructor. He has been an Artist-In-Residence at Artspace at Untitled, the Guapamacátaro Center for Art and Ecology, the Moon Mansion Dallas, the Paseo Plunge and Oklahoma City University. Danny is represented by Objets Trouvé gallery in Oklahoma City.
Virginia Sitzes is a printmaker, painter and muralist living in Oklahoma City. She is a Studio School instructor and has taught various workshops regionally. Her work has been featured in Art Focus magazine, Barnstorm Literary Journal, Oklahoma Gazette, the Tulsa Voice and the Inspiring Conversations OKC and Whatcha Makin’? podcasts. She has been the drawing and painting liaison for Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain and is also a printmaking mentor for Artspace at Untitled's high school mentorship program. Virginia is also an active arts organizer. She co-founded the emerging artist collective, Art Group OKC, in 2017 and is the operations coordinator for the Connect::Collect international print exchange. She has curated various pop-up shows and events in houses, alternative art galleries, and non-traditional venues.
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