The Wyoming Arts Council, with support from the Wyoming Governor’s Office through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has developed a financial assistance grant for arts and cultural organizations in Wyoming and a second grant for individual artists. The Arts Council has received $2.4 million to disperse.
“Like all Wyoming organizations, businesses, and individuals, those in the arts and cultural sector have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. These funds will help organizations and individuals remain in our communities and continue to offer services that support the social, economic, and educational development needs of Wyoming through arts and culture” says Wyoming Arts Council Executive Director Michael Lange.
The application for arts and cultural organizations is now open. Applications received by November 30, 2020 will be given full consideration; the application will remain open until funds are expended. Individual applications are also now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order in which they are submitted until funds are expended. Due to the anticipated high demand and short timeline to expend funds, eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Funds can be used for expenses that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency or to support revenue losses that are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expenditures or revenue lost must have been incurred between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 30, 2020. These funds will be distributed as a one-time grant to eligible organizations and individual artists. Funds must be expended by Dec. 30, 2020.
The Wyoming Arts Council is committed to dispersing funds in a way that has the maximum impact where there is maximum need. The eligibility requirements and application process is therefore different than other Arts Council grant applications. Organizations and individuals will be asked to demonstrate eligibility, revenue loss, and sufficient need.
Funding decisions for organizations will be based on the completeness of the application, sufficient demonstration of need, and impact on the organization and the community served. Organizations that meet the eligibility and demonstrate sufficient need will receive a minimum of $10,000.00.
Individual funding decisions will be based on the completeness of the application, demonstration of a sustained commitment to their artistic career, and financial need. Individuals that meet the eligibility and demonstrate sufficient need will receive $5,000.00 or the total amount of lost revenue and expenses, whichever amount is less.
There is no match required. The grant amount received cannot exceed actual losses.
Arts and cultural organizations can access the application here: https://forms.gle/2WcBqnwkzeyLN3Dc8
Individual artists can access the application here: https://forms.gle/nJmX6mp2oYLdsunF9
Applicants without a Google account should open the application in a Chrome browser window. For more information, please visit the Wyoming Arts Council website or contact Michael Lange at michael.lange@wyo.gov or 307-275-4476.