#ReallyHelpingArtists is a new fund to make small, easily accessible grants to alleviate some of the financial distress artists are experiencing, during the current pandemic. As an artists’ organization, the RHA is acutely aware of the difficulties that visual artists are experiencing in the current crisis.
Opportunities for earning income from sales, teaching or casual employment have all but gone. Artists, who we as a society hold dear, need our help and this fund, while it will not replace an income, may lift a worry or anxiety about a bill, a rent payment, the cost of materials, even a grocery shop.
The RHA has sought permission to apply funds from a designated bequest to creating a micro-grant initiative for artists in need. This permission has been granted with a pledge of €10,000 to create one third of the fund! We are now challenging the people of Ireland to help us raise the further €20,000 through donations, of any amount. All donations welcome and gratefully received.
Our window to raise €20,000 for the fund is just 1 month, from 15th May to 15th June, 2020.
These crucial gifts will then be distributed to artists between 1st July and 31st August, 2020.
In this particular crisis we have seen Ireland’s art community providing new daily content for enjoyment, education and mental well-being. We would like to honour artist’s unfailing contribution to the betterment of society, in good times and bad by ensuring there is a simple way for them to apply for emergency cash if needed. We know that there are hundreds of artists who are falling through the gaps, and who will not get through this crisis without urgent and immediate cash support.
If art has helped you, please consider helping an artist.
How to Apply and Terms & Conditions:
The aim of Really Helping Artists, RHA Mirco Grants is to provide cash to artists in a simple and quick way to alleviate some of the pressure experienced in the current crisis.
Application Process
To apply for a Really Helping Artists Micro Grant please send an email (no longer than 150 words) to reallyhelpingartists@rhagallery.ie stating:
- Full name
- Medium of practice
- Your financial request
- Reason for your application
- Proof of professional status (as outlined below)
Please read the information below prior to sending in your request.
Who may Apply
Really Helping Artists, RHA Micro Grants are designed to give emergency financial support to professional visual artists living and working in Ireland. You may apply for support if you are aged 18 or older, have graduated from an accredited art school, are currently living in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland and are a professional artist.
A professional artist is defined as anyone who makes a wage from their art and can provide confirmation of this. Confirmation can include proof of membership to a recognised representative body for visual artists (i.e. VAI or similar), confirmation of having exhibited work for sale at a recognised gallery, arts centre or institution in Ireland, and/or in the RHA Annual Exhibition in the last 24 months.
Important Dates
Letters of application, sent via email, will be accepted from 16th – 30th June, 2020 ONLY.
Applications received before the 16th of June 2020 or after the 30th June 2020 will not be accepted or reviewed.
Grant Amounts
Micro-grants will be considered for requests of between €100 – €1,000.
Grant Review
A small committee of RHA Members and staff will review all letters of application, in complete confidence and make decisions to award grants based solely an applicant’s need. All decisions are final and there will be no appeal process. All funds raised will be distributed by 31st August 2020. If your request is approved you will be notified before this date. Unfortunately, due to limitations on our capacity we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
We look forward to helping you, during this time.
#ReallyHelpingArtists
