Apply for special 'Resilience' funds for artists

The Australia Council has announced it will direct approximately $5M to a Resilience Fund for artists and arts organisations to support their livelihoods, practice and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CEO Adrian Collette AM said this new measure within the Council’s existing budget is essential during this critical period when the cultural and creative sectors are experiencing immediate and enormous challenges due to the impact of the virus.

“Last week the Australia Council suspended many investment programs and repurposed all available uncommitted funds from this financial year to immediately respond to the COVID- 19 crisis.

The 2020 Resilience Fund includes three streams:

• Survive - small grants from for individuals, groups and organisations of $2000-$5000 to offset or recoup financial losses due to cancelled activity.

• Adapt - grants for individuals, groups and organisations of $10,000 to $20,000 to adapt their practice and explore new operating models.
• Create - grants for individuals, groups and organisations of $10,000 to $20,000 to continue to create artistic work and develop creative responses in a time of disruption.

Organisations that currently receive multi-year funding from the Australia Council are not eligible to apply. This includes National Performing Arts Partnership organisations, Four Year Funded organisations, and organisations funded under the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy.

Applications for the Resilience Fund are now open. See: https://www.australiacouncil.gov.au