The local arts council has announced the criteria and application process for the artist relief fund have now been established to provide short-term financial assistance to local artists living with debilitating health issues.
In order to be eligible for assistance through the fund, applicants must be professional artists living in Guelph or Wellington County and earning their primary income through their artistic endeavours.
Applications will be received and reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Guelph Arts Council artist relief fund committee, with the prime criterion being the need for funds rather than the quality of artwork.
The amount awarded each year will be dependent on the number of applicants, the specific needs of each eligible artist, and the amount of money available. The maximum amount available for each individual application is $500.
The creation of the fund in 2008 was in response to a growing realization of the plight of self-employed artists whose health leaves them unable to work and, unfortunately, also unable to collect unemployment insurance or other government benefits. The emergency financial assistance provided through this fund is made possible by donations that Guelph Arts Council receives throughout the year.
Guidelines and application forms as well as a comprehensive list of additional resources are available from the Guelph Arts Council office or can be downloaded from http://guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil/documents_detail.php?organisation=4&offset=0&did=261).
More information is available at at 519-836-3280 or gac@sentex.net.
