Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund

To Apply: All artists can apply through the South Arts application portal.

Artists working in craft/traditional arts, design, literary, media/film, performing, visual, and interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary arts are invited to apply for $500 relief stipends. This opportunity is open to professional artists 18 years or older whose artistic practice generates any portion of their income. This relief stipend is intended for individual artists only. 

Eligibility

• Must currently reside in FEMA disaster areas in Florida (Helene), Florida (Milton), Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia
• Be 18 years of age or older and actively engaged in their artistic practice to generate any portion of their income.
• Have an active artistic practice in craft/traditional arts, design, literary, media/film, performing, visual, or interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary arts
• Substantially impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton

Organizations, artists located outside of FEMA designated areas due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and repeat applications are ineligible until further notice.

Review Criteria & Selection Process

Applications for the Southern Arts Relief and Recovery Fund will be reviewed to ensure that the applicant:

1. Is a verified resident of one of the FEMA designated areas impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton;
2. Has an active and professional artistic practice; and
3. Has been impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton.

Applications that are eligible and meet the review criteria will be selected through an internal process based on the need to prioritize relief funds across the diversity of need, artistic disciplines, disability, ethnicity, gender, and geography to ensure broad, inclusive support. The review and selection process will occur on an ongoing basis and are subject to the approval and availability of funds. The timing of funding notifications will vary depending on the volume of applications, time needed for application review, and any required follow up questions.

Contracts & Payments

Recipients will receive the final contract (via Conga Sign) and will be asked to upload an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form, and a completed w-9 form.

Use of Funds & Reporting Requirements

Emergency relief stipends may be used in any way and are considered non-taxable gifts. The IRS does not require South Arts to provide a Form 1099 for these funds; however, consulting with an accountant to ensure IRS compliance is advised. Receipts or reports are not required.

Due to the high volume of need, awardees may receive one award until further notice.