In times of crisis, artists are often among those most affected. In addition to health concerns, this is a challenging moment for many in our community as we deal with cancelled income and trying to make plans during uncertain times. At UAC Artists and neighborhoods are at the core of UAC’s mission, rooted in seeing the creative community in Memphis thrive. We believe that continuing communication and exchange are crucial for all of us, so we have created a list of resources for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals. We’ve also added some resources for us art lovers to virtually explore galleries and museums across the world.
UAC OPEN CALLS
We update our site regularly so please be sure to check back for new opportunities!
other artist opportunities
Tea Box Design Contest
In partnership with the Orange Mound Arts Council (OMAC), My Cup of Tea Memphis is requesting proposals from Black, professional artists with an Orange Mound association to design the next Memphis-themed tea box. This document includes the details on how and when to submit proposals, which will culminate in the chosen artist having their design printed on the new box; receiving a cash prize of $1,000; and being featured on the side of the new box. Additionally, we expect to receive substantial media attention.
ArtsMemphis Artist Emergency Fund
ArtsMemphis will allocate a total of $50,000 to support recovery from lost income due to cancelled events, job layoff, or furlough. We are now accepting applications from self-employed artists of all arts disciplines as well as artists employed/contracted by nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Shelby County.
Emergency Grants
Rauschenberg Emergency Grants
NYFA and the Rauschenberg Foundation have teamed up to offer visual and media artists and choreographers in the US grants of up to $5,000 for medical related emergencies.
Foundation for Contemporary Arts - Emergency Grants
Do you have an unanticipated opportunity to present your work? Did you incur an unexpected expense that you didn’t budget for? The Foundation for Contemporary Arts offers Emergency Grants between $200 and $2,500 for visual and performing artists. They review applications once a month, so you can quickly take advantage of momentum or solve any budget errors.
Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant (painters, printmakers, and sculptors)
The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation. Each grant is given as one-time assistance for a specific emergency, examples of which are fire, flood, or emergency medical need.
CERF+ - Artists Safety Net
Artists who have suffered from a recent, career threatening emergency, such as an illness, accident, fire or natural disaster, can apply for funding. CERF+ also has a list of resources centered around the pandemic
Artists grants, funds, and freelance opportunities
aRTWORK ARCHIVE
Financial Relief Resources for Artists During COVID-19
Women’s arts
Links for a number of emergency funds, broken up by discipline
Artists’ Charitable Fund (visual artists grants for medical expenses)
Assists American visual fine artists (painters and sculptors) living anywhere in the United States by paying a portion of their medical / dental / eye-care bills.
Howlround Theatre Commons
Artists In a Time of Global Pandemic (streamed on March 16), For US-Based Freelance Artists and Cultural Workers in all Disciplines along with artist resources.
Art lovers (UNITE!)
Virtual Tours
A Note for Hope, George Zimmerman
UAC Interactive map
Curious to know about all (over 120+) the public art projects UAC has completed? Here’s your chance to explore Memphis through the lens of public art!
Travel & leisure
Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch (Video)
Google Arts & Culture
*clutches pearls at this list. Can’t afford to go the Netherlands…No problem. Love the Guggenheim, go today!
Louvre Museum online tourS
Need we say more?
