Supporting creators through COVID-19

April 1, 2020

For those who work in the creative and cultural sectors, and whose livelihoods have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, here are some resources and initiatives that could offer you further support.

Books and publishing
  • The APA has a range of resources for publishers on their website.
  • The ASA has 14 grants of $1,000 for authors and illustrators looking to deliver online workshops and presentations. Applications are now closed.
  • The Australia Institute has announced a second round of its Writer in Residence Program. Applications are now closed.
  • Books Create Australia has an overview of what Aussie publishers are offering teachers, parents and others tackling homeschooling and distance learning. Read more.
  • The National Writers Centre Network is surveying the impact of COVID-19 on author income. Complete it here.
Journalism
  • The Australian Communications and Media Authority has brought forward the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund. Applications are now closed.
  • The Judith Neilson Institute has announced three new initiatives to support media organisations and journalists. Read more.
  • The NSW Journalists’ Benevolent Fund may be able to help those whose income has been cut. Apply now.
Visual arts
  • ACCA is seeking proposals from artists for the production of new digital works. Applications are now closed.
  • artsACT is making funding available to Canberra artists over the next 6–9 months. Applications are now closed.
  • Arts Law has compiled some FAQs for artists and arts organisations. Read more.
  • The City of Melbourne has expanded its quick response arts grants to support artists and small creative organisations during COVID-19. Applications are now closed.
  • The Indigenous Art Code has worked with peak organisations to provide information to Indigenous arts collectives, centres, and individual artists. Read more.
  • NAVA, as part of their response, is also surveying the impact on artists and arts organisations, as well as seeking contributions to the Artists’ Benevolent Fund. Complete the survey or make a donation.
Other industry assistance
  • ALIA has set up a Relief Fund to help its members. Read more.
  • APRA AMCOS has summarised some sources of funding and assistance for creatives. Read more.
  • The Arts Wellbeing Collective has a guide to looking after your mental health in these uncertain times. Read more.
  • The Australia Council has announced its first Response Package, along with a Resilience Fund for artists and arts organisations. Read more or apply now (no deadlines).
  • The City of Sydney is offering a range of grants. Apply now for quick response grants (while funds last); cultural sector resilience grants and the creative fellowships fund are now closed.
  • Create NSW has introduced a range of measures for the small-medium arts and screen sector. Read more.
  • Creative Victoria has announced quick-response funding in the form of the Sustaining Creative Workers initiative. Applications are now closed.
  • I Lost My Gig is a platform for sharing stories of impact and offering tangible support. Visit the website.
  • The Inner West Council is listing sources of arts support on their website. Read more.
  • MEAA has collated some resources to assist its members. Read more.
  • The Office for the Arts has a comprehensive guide to COVID-19 for the cultural and creative sector. Read more.
  • Philanthropy Australia’s Arts Funders Network, in partnership with Creative Partnerships Australia, is coordinating a National Assistance Program for the Arts. Applications are now closed.
  • Support Act is running an emergency appeal for Australia’s music industry. Make a donation.
  • The Walkley Foundation is keeping a running post of helpful resources, including those for fact-checking and thriving in isolation. Read more.
  • The Writers Benevolent Fund, while unable to provide income support, may be able to assist with expenses. Apply now or make a donation.
General advice and support

For up-to-date and reliable sources of information on COVID-19, visit:

For travel advice, visit Smartraveller.

If you need help, please reach out to:

And, while our office is now closed, we are still here to help 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.

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