NEW YORK, NY.- Abrons Arts Center, together with Henry Street Settlement, announce the launch of the Artist Community Relief Fund, a community micro-grant program intended to support local Lower East Side and Chinatown based artists and arts workers whose income has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications opened on Tuesday, April 14th on the Abrons’ website.

The Artist Community Relief Fund will provide short-term, immediate financial assistance to artists or arts workers living in 10002, 10009, or 10013 zip codes. Artists can apply to receive unrestricted funds in the amount of US $250 per person. Up to 40 individuals will receive this distribution, and this application phase will close when the funds are exhausted.

“The impact of COVID-19 has been profound and this situation has had a devastating impact on the income and well-being of artists and artists communities in our neighborhood and beyond,” says Artistic Director Craig Peterson. "Abrons Arts Center and Henry Street Settlement have long believed that artists and their work are vital to the social fabric and rich cultural life of the Lower East Side. It’s our mission to provide access to available community support, resources, and information to help them through this time. We know artists are hurting right now and we hope that these funds may provide a bit of immediate relief for basic living expenses. We hope to be able to provide additional aid to our artist community as resources become available.”

Artists seeking other support may visit Abrons’ COVID-19 Resources page for updated information about mutual aid and relief funds, emergency grants, and unemployment benefits.

As well, additional resources—including mental health help, senior care, education, childcare and employment information—are available via the Henry Street Settlement Help Line at (347) 493-2787.