New York State Folklore COVID-19 Relief Fund

Geographic Scope: New York State

Funder: New York Folklore, with support from William G. Pomeroy Foundation and private donors

Emergency grants to assist folk and traditional artists impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants help with specific short-term financial needs including food, medical bills, and rent assistance.

Eligibility:

• Folk, traditional, and community-based artists
• New York State residents
• Artists impacted by COVID-19 pandemic-related income loss
• Special priority: Artists from marginalized and at-risk communities, including Native communities, immigrants, and refugee communities

Award Details:

• Grant amounts: $250 - $500 (distributed as needed)
• Total distributed: $11,000 across 25 artists
• Focus: Short-term emergency financial assistance

What was funded:

• Diverse cultural groups represented including Haudenosaunee artists (beadwork, bone and antler carving, traditional music and dance, splint ash basketmaking from Seneca, Tuscarora, Oneida, Onondaga, and Mohawk nations)
• Artists from Puerto Rico, Peru, Mexico, Ireland, Guinea, Ghana, Turkey, Argentina, China, Republic of Georgia, Algeria, and Tibet
• African American traditional artists (hair design, gourd instruments, quilting)
• Adirondack rustic furniture making
• LGBTQ ballroom/runway traditions

Contact Information:

• New York Folklore: 129 Jay Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
• P: 518.346.7008 | E: info@nyfolklore.org