Tucson Offers Grants For Arts Workers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

TUCSON, AZ — Arts workers and organizations affected by the coronavirus pandemic have until Oct. 5 to apply for financial assistance from the city of Tucson.

The funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and is intended to boost out-of-work artists and battered arts organizations during the pandemic. Applications opened Sept. 8 and will close in early October.

According to a news release, the funding is intended as "short-term emergency disaster relief to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, assist with rent or mortgage payments, assist with subsidies for utility payments to preserve essential services, and other needs" that have arisen during the last few months.

The organization Americans for the Arts reported that the pandemic's economic impact on the arts is an estimated $13.1 billion nationally. In Tucson, that loss of income totals approximately $3.35 million.

In a previous news briefing, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said the city has received $3 million through the CARES Act and is now working to distribute it people affected by the pandemic through its We Are One/Somos Uno Resilience Fund.

The Tucson CARES funds are supporting two separate grants: one for artists and one for organizations.

Applicants will need to fill out an online form with their contact information, artistic mission, demographics and demonstrate their financial loss due to the coronavirus. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Tucson is also providing its federal CARES funds to small businesses and nonprofits in the southern part of the city, as well as sending money directly to individuals or families who have not received any other funding during the pandemic.