#ReallyHelpingArtists is a new fund from the RHA to make small, easily accessible grants to alleviate some of the financial distress artists are experiencing, during the current pandemic. As an artists’ organisation, the RHA is acutely aware of the difficulties that visual artists are experiencing in the current crisis. Opportunities for earning income from sales, teaching or casual employment have all but gone. Artists need our help and this fund, while it will not replace an income, may lift a worry or anxiety about a bill, a rent payment, the cost of materials, even a grocery shop.
The RHA sought permission to apply funds from a designated bequest to creating an emergency micro-grant initiative for artists in need. This permission was granted with a pledge of €10,000 to create one third of the fund, aiming to raise an additional €20,000 for the fund with the help of the Irish public.
The response over the last two weeks has been overwhelming. The fund has already surpassed its original target of raising €30,000. They have also received a pledge by an anonymous donor that every Euro donated over the original target will now be matched, up to €10,000. The fund closes to donations this Monday and they have already reached over €60,000.
The fund will be open for applications for 2 weeks from next Tuesday 16th – 30th June ONLY.
Micro-grants will be considered for requests of between €100 – €1,000.
Who may Apply
Really Helping Artists, RHA Micro Grants are designed to give emergency financial support to professional visual artists living and working in Ireland. You may apply for support if you are aged 18 or older, have graduated from an accredited art school, are currently living in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland and are a professional artist.
A professional artist is defined as anyone who makes a wage from their art and can provide confirmation of this. Confirmation can include proof of membership to a recognised representative body for visual artists in Ireland or Northern Ireland (i.e. VAI or similar), confirmation of having exhibited work for sale at a recognised gallery, arts centre or institution in Ireland or Northern Ireland, and/or in the RHA Annual Exhibition in the last 24 months.
Application Process
To apply for a Really Helping Artists Micro Grant please send an email (no longer than 150 words) to reallyhelpingartists@rhagallery.ie stating:
- Full name
- Medium of practice
- Your financial request
- Reason for your application
- Proof of professional status
More information on the RHA website.
Source: Visual Artists Ireland News
