The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
has announced that they are extending the application window for the Jazz &
Heritage Music Relief Fund by 48 hours, with the application period now set to
close at 8:00 a.m. CST on Thursday, April 16. The fund represents a unique
statewide opportunity to help local musicians who have been financially
impacted by COVID-19 and will serve to supplement some of the lost income
caused by cancelled gigs and events across the country. In order to be eligible
for the fund, applicants must be professional musicians living in Louisiana who
have worked in the music industry for at least one year and have a significant
portion of their income that is reliant on live performances.
"Performances and concerts are being cancelled,
and musicians are losing opportunities to support themselves and their
families," said the executive director of the foundation Don Marshall. "For
generations, the musicians of our communities have provided the soul of
Louisiana. The goal is to help our musicians impacted by quarantine,
disruptions of income, and other challenges, while ensuring an equitable
distribution of funds."
Perhaps best known for Jazz Fest, the New
Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is a non-profit that has continuously
strived to support and advocate for the unique musical traditions and culture
of New Orleans since 1970.
"The New Orleans Jazz & Relief Fund
invests proceeds from Jazz Fest and additional funds that we raise for
year-round programming in education, economic development, and cultural
enrichment," said Board President Jeffrey Goldring. "The Jazz & Heritage
Relief Fund is a natural extension of the work we have been doing for the
community since 1979."
In addition to the Relief Fund, the foundation
has expressed that they will continue to search for new ways to support
struggling musicians in the community as the pandemic carries on. To apply for
the fund, please click here.
