Shayna Douglas, Unsplash

Louisiana to Support Artists Through Second CARES Act Funding

09:00 February 15, 2021
By: Kala Hathorn

Louisiana's artists can be considered a valuable and necessary staple to the state's culture. In efforts to preserve local artists and their impact on our cultural history, the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development's Division of the Arts announced that a second round of grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts will be rewarded to small arts organizations through the CARES Act. The purpose of the grant funding is to salvage jobs in the local art community. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser encourages artists with a message, saying, "As we work our way through this pandemic, it will be easier to bounce back if we do it together, helping our neighbors who are in need as well. That's the determination found in our state that keeps us all Louisiana strong."

The first round of the grant fund was distributed in May of 2020 and aided 72 nonprofit arts organizations in Louisiana. The second round of these grants are expected to support an additional 60 nonprofits with grants in the amount of $1,500. Eligibility requirements for this second round include being an art based nonprofit organization with 501(c3) designation and having a mission statement with the main component being to advance and support the arts. Priority will be given to organizations with an operating budget of $30,000 or less, as well as organizations who have not already received any other CARES Act funding.

If a business is awarded the grant funding, then the permitted use for said funds should go towards salaries, fees for artists and personnel, and coverage for rent and utilities. Any small arts organization that is in need of help is encouraged to first sign up for an account on Submittable and then apply at LDOA Small Arts Organizations Relief Grant. The deadline to do so is by February 26, 2021.

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