Life amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to seek out new means of supporting ourselves and our communities. While public safety measures like social distancing and self-quarantining have helped slow the spread of the virus, these guidelines have also threatened the livelihoods of millions of Americans, who have been left without access to their usual means of income.
For members of the music community, the losses incurred from show cancellations and postponed tours are hard to swallow — and even harder to bounce back from.
But in a testament to the resilience of local artists and the dedication of their fans, resources for supporting the music community began flooding in within days of closures. Below is a list of fundraisers and other initiatives that are working to keep the music alive during these uncertain times. Further information and updates can be found on the Dan’s Tunes Facebook page a well as the Artist Home and KEXP websites.
Every Friday at 8 p.m., three local bands or artists perform for twenty minutes in front of a virtual audience. Viewers can donate directly to the musicians, or they can donate to Work From Home itself, which splits the donations between the three artists. If you are an artist who would like to perform, apply here. Priority is given to full-time musicians and those who work in the service industry. Singer-songwriter Robbie Christmas created this live-streaming platform, and Dan’s Tunes is helping with booking and promotion.
Support Local Musicians During COVID-19 Response
This GoFundMe, created by musician Darren Guyaz, is seeking to raise $10,000 to provide short-term relief funding for artists who have experienced COVID-19-related losses. Musicians who would like to receive aid from the fundraiser can apply through an online form. Distribution of the donations will be determined based on funds raised and the total number of applications.
Antonioni frontwoman Sarah Pasillas has offered to write custom songs for $35 in an effort to make money during the shutdowns caused by COVID-19.
Essential Resources for Greater Seattle Artists
This Facebook posting from National Seat Filling founder Mackenzie McAninch has an extensive list of resources that can provide immediate relief to local artists.
This donor-directed fund looks to provide assistance to musicians and music industry workers who have incurred medical and financial burdens resulting from illness or loss of work. The money raised will be put towards medical expenses and living costs such as housing, food, and clothing. Musicians looking to apply can find information on the donation page.
Northwest Folklife: COVID-19 Artist & Community Resource List
In addition to its page providing updates concerning COVID-19 and Folklife events and programs, festival organizers have created a separate list of resources pertaining to financial assistance, mutual aid and advocacy, and informational support gathered by community members.
4Culture, the cultural funding agency for King County, has created a fund for both individuals and organizations that have experienced unforeseen costs and losses due to COVID-19. Funding is also available for cultural workers looking to provide creative responses during the pandemic. Applicants can apply any time between April 1 and May 15 and will be notified of their status within 10 business days.
Artist Home Presents: Songs of Hope and Healing
The Songs of Hope and Healing streaming event is a virtual concert series featuring artists who have lost wages during the COVID-19 crisis. Performances from the first and second events have been archived, and each video is accompanied by information on how to support the artists and/or the causes some have chosen to donate to.
KEXP Guide for Artists and Fans
KEXP has created its own detailed informational guide on how the music community can best support artists, venues, and promoters. The radio station has also published a general COVID-19 Resources and Information page that includes prevention tips, resources for freelance artists, and other information relevant to its listening base.
SIASE Seattle Artist Relief Fund
Organized by Ijeoma Oluo, Ebony Arunga, and Gabriel Teodros, the Seattle Independent Artist Sustainability Effort (SIASE) started a Go Fund Me for local artists in need. Read the open letter signed by hundreds of local artists and community organizations about the plight of independent artists in Seattle and why they need funds now more than ever.
The Vera Project, a non-profit music venue and organization, started the DIY Community Relief Fund to raise funds for music and arts community spaces that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 closures, with an emphasis on organizations that don’t qualify for institutional support. Their goal is to raise $25,000 to feed back into the community.
Seattle Producers / Engineers Affected by COVID-19
Started by Rachel Field of Resonant Mastering, this GoFundMe is raising money for producers and engineers who have lost work as a result of COVID-19. Funds will be distributed evenly among applicants, and the amount of relief sent to each applicant will depend on the amount of applicants and the amount of donations. If you’re a producer or engineer in need, apply here.
To inquire about having your fundraiser or resource added to this list, please email danray@danstunesseattle.com.