How To Support Artists in Limbo

Credit: Artware Editions composition of Louise Bourgeois’ textile

Government programs have always been hella hard to interpret, but we spent time reading about the Federal Unemployment Compensation program and wanted to share some of the key information in a digestible way. We had to re-read articles multiple times to let it all sink in (and it’s all changing by the minute) but here’s what we decoded so far:

In March, US Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion stimulus bill that provided unemployment support that was unprecedented in this country. This allowed freelancers and the self-employed to apply for state unemployment benefits for the first time and provided those who lost work or were otherwise financially impacted by the pandemic an extra $600 a week in federally funded assistance.

While self-employed artists and freelancers are still eligible for unemployment benefits, that extra $600 is no longer available as of July 31. In true American fashion, the Republicans and the Democrats are at odds trying to negotiate part two of this stimulus package. While there are people of all different occupations suffering from this loss, we are choosing to highlight ways that you can help artists. As John Lennon said, “Art is only a way of expressing pain,” and considering the amount of pain this country is collectively experiencing, we need to support the people who dedicate their lives to translating that pain into something beautiful and relatable.

Here are a few inexpensive ways you can support artists right now:

Participate in an online art class

There are tons of artists out there teaching online classes and workshops, so why not learn a new skill during quarantine and help support artists while you do? Check out tons of classes on sites like Skillshare and Udemy.

Buy artwork from an artist online 

If you can, buy affordably-priced work from artists online to help keep them afloat and freshen up your space. Sites like Artwork Archive and Spacey Studios are a great place to start.

Attend exhibits and openings online 

While seeing art in person is way more satisfying than seeing it virtually, it’s still something cool you can do from home! And you can also have the experience of “traveling” to museums in different countries, which is even cooler. Town and Country did a round-up of art exhibits online now, including this Andy Warhol retrospective at the Tate Modern and Louise Bourgeois Drawings’ at Hauser & Wirth.