ARTSmemphis and Music Export Memphis Announce Artist Emergency Fund to Support Local Artists During Unexpected Catastrophe

MEMPHIS—ARTSmemphis, the Mid-South’s primary arts funder, and Music Export Memphis, a nonprofit export office for Memphis music, are pleased to announce a new, first ever Artist Emergency Fund for local artists.

The Artist Emergency Fund was created to support artists—defined as individuals earning a majority of their income through artistic practice—in times of unexpected and catastrophic emergency, particularly those that upend the artist’s ability to practice and earn income from their craft. Examples include but are not limited to medical emergencies, catastrophic property damage (i.e. fire), or theft of gear or equipment required to perform or create. This new fund will serve artists at all stages of their careers.

ARTSmemphis and Music Export Memphis first partnered to support artists in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing nearly $900,000 to 800 artists.  

“We are grateful that the pandemic is behind us, but it taught us that we must be prepared for emergencies, even on the individual level,” reflects Elizabeth Rouse, ARTSmemphis President & CEO. “Thanks to many contributors, this ‘rainy day’ fund can help our local artists weather an unexpected storm.”

ARTSmemphis will administer all non-musician applications to the Artist Emergency Fund. Applications received from musicians of all genres and types will be administered by Music Export Memphis, whose mission is to create opportunities for Memphis musicians to showcase their music outside the city, driving tourism, talent attraction and economic development.

"A catastrophic emergency can devastate any of us, but our artists are considerably more vulnerable. They're less likely to have insurance or savings than the average person - we saw this first-hand when COVID canceled gigs overnight and the musicians we serve had no rainy day funds,” said Music Export Memphis Executive Director Elizabeth Cawein. “It's a dream to see this finally come to life and we're grateful for the continued partnership with ARTSmemphis that's made it possible." 

Full details of the grant request and review process may be found at artsmemphis.org.

ABOUT ARTSmemphis. ARTSmemphis, a 501(c)3, is the Mid-South’s primary arts funder, working behind the scenes to expand the foundation of Memphis’ arts through diligent and diverse support. The granting organization has distributed over $97 million since 1963 and serves as a funding partner, advocate and connector for local artists and arts organizations. For more information, visit artsmemphis.org.

ABOUT MUSIC EXPORT MEMPHIS. Music Export Memphis is a nonprofit export office for Memphis music. MEM creates opportunities for Memphis musicians to showcase outside the city, growing their careers and enhancing Memphis' reputation as a contemporary music hub. Programs include Experiences (juried industry showcases), Ambassadors (grants to individual artists for touring, merchandise, marketing and more), and The Export Bank (bespoke granting for artists presented with unique, career-altering opportunities). MEM also advocates for artists in the local live music ecosystem and has produced three compensation reports on the state of pay. For more, visit musicexportmemphis.org 

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