Deadline for Federal Emergency Assistance is April 22

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced grants are available through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to provide financial assistance for local arts organizations impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.  Congress included $75 million in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support the arts industry.

Higgins said, “Arts and culture play an important role in Western New York’s economy, and even through this public health crisis local arts organizations and artists are continuing to lift our spirits, provide comfort and programming, and entertain us. These grants are intended to help this critical sector, who like so many are experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic.”

According to a recent Arts & Economic Prosperity report, the arts industry contributes over $352 million to the Western New York economy, supporting over 10,000 jobs and delivering more than $40.3 million in local and state tax revenue.

The deadline to apply for this emergency funding is April 22, 2020. Eligible recipients are those who have received NEA funding within the last four years (2017-2020).  Eligible uses of the COVID-19 relief grants include: staff salary support, fees for artists, rent and utilities.  For more information visit: https://www.arts.gov/grants-organizations/CARES/grant-program-description.