The Gobioff Foundation, together with Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA), wants to provide relief for local artists having trouble paying their bills.
On Wednesday morning, the arts nonprofit announced its Hillsborough Artist Relief Program (HARP). Help will come in the form of an unrestricted $500 grant (not a loan). An email from the Gobioff Foundation says there’ll be no reporting requirements to TBBCA after getting the award.
The grant is available to Hillsborough residents who are at least 18 years old. Applicants must also be a practicing artist in most artistic disciplines.
“The information provided is to establish that the applicant is an artist, not about judging the quality of the artwork,” the foundation wrote in an FAQ about the funds. “The goal of the grant is not to judge “Good” vs “Bad” artistic quality.”
Applicants must also demonstrate a need for financial assistance need and be legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (meaning they must be a “citizen, green card holder, and/or permanent resident who can provide a W9 and SSN or (TIN)”).
“The goal of the fund is to get financial assistance to many artists as promptly as possible,” the foundation wrote in an email. The grant is possible through $100,000 from the Gobioff Foundation, which was matched by another grant from the Vinik Family Foundation.
“HARP is set up to address the current novel coronavirus emergency and is estimated to run until funds are no longer available or need has been resolved,” the email added.
Artists whose primary income is not from art but from other employment or contract labor may also apply—and you may also still apply if you’ve received relief from other efforts and grants.
“We acknowledge that not every artist makes a living from their art. Income lost due to cancellations or other circumstances resulting from the current novel coronavirus crisis is sufficient cause to apply,” the foundation wrote. “Everyone should seek assistance wherever they can if they are still experiencing financial need.”
More information is available via tbbca.org.
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