On May 20, 2021, Governor Dan McKee lifted most COVID-19 restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated. For specifics, details and guidance visit reopeningri.com.
Since early March 2020 our team has been working to assemble information for artists, arts organizations, educators, and other folks who work in the arts to access as they navigate this uncertain time. If you have any resources you think should be added to this page, please email: RISCA.Contact@arts.ri.gov.
For COVID-19 information please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Resources for Organizations.
COVID Related Grants and Loans.
- PPP and SVOG overview webinar and FAQ, January 26, 2021.
- SBA Payroll Protection Program Loans – Information on applying for PPP Loan forgiveness.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Low interest rate loans from the Small Business Administration, nonprofits are eligible.
- Grants from Commerce– Restore RI, Business Adaptation Grants, and Nonprofit Support Fund Grants.
Re-Opening Resources.
- Reopening RI– Guidelines and rules in the state of Rhode Island for open/re-opening public spaces.
- Film & TV Office Production Guidelines.
Retaining Staff.
Resource Pages.
Resources for Artists and Culture Workers.
Relief Funds and COVID Related Grants.
- Grants from Commerce– Restore RI, Business Adaptation Grants, and Nonprofit Support Fund Grants.
- Artist Relief – $5,000 grants for artists facing dire financial emergencies. Applications reviewed weekly, with the final application deadline of September 23rd. National program.
- Authors League Fund – For career writers facing emergency circumstances. Applications considered on a rolling basis. National program.
- Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants – One time $2,000 grants intended to meet the needs of experimental artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions, application being accepted through the end of 2021. National program.
- Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants – One-time grants of up to $5,000 for unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies. Check website for next grant cycle.
- Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund – One time micro grants of $200 for US-based BIPOC artists and administrators.
Government Support Programs.
- RI Works – Cash assistance for eligible parents, as well as job resources.
- RI Department of Human Services – Information and application for SNAP (formerly food stamps); Medicaid; and childcare subsidies.
- HEAP Program – support in paying for heating for your home.
- HealthSource RI – Health insurance through the state’s exchange, as well as Medicaid.
- Traditional Unemployment Insurance.
- Unemployment Assistance for Gig Workers.
Business Support.
- Arts & Business Council of Boston – Legal advice for artists and arts organizations, focused on contracts, insurance, and labor and employment issues due to the coronavirus. Let them know RISCA referred you.
- Tech support from RI Commerce – Guides and connection to direct support on various technology aspects including e-commerce and marketing.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance.
- Center for Women and Enterprise – Education, support, and virtual training on a variety of business topics.
- SCORE Rhode Island – Free, confidential business training and mentorship.
Resource Pages.
Resources for Educators.
- Resources for Teaching Artists during Virtual/Distance Learning (compiled by RISCA)
- Teaching Theatre Online.
- Resources for Teaching Dance Online.
- Moving Teaching Online Quickly.
- Lesson plans and teaching resources for arts, focused on K-12. Community sourced, being updated and added to.
- Georgia Fine Arts Instructional Resources.
- Google Classroom tutorial in Spanish (on YouTube).
- Overview of state policy responses and other executive actions in public schools across the US.
- Adjusting to a New Normal by EdNote.