The Rozsa Foundation is investing $400,000 through two new granting programs to assist the Calgary-area arts sector during the devastating coronavirus pandemic.
Applications open Tuesday for both one-time programs aimed at alleviating immediate financial pressures and helping arts groups deliver digital programming.
The foundation is offering grants of up to $10,000 for groups with an operating budget up to $1 million, or up to $20,000 for those above $1 million, to help them cover the cost of artist fees paid or owing to artists whose contracts were terminated between March and June due to COVID-19.
Grants of up to $15,000 are also available to create innovative programming or activities that can be shared digitally with audiences. Proposals aimed at immediate needs in the community, including art education, promoting mental health and easing social isolation, are of special interest, the foundation says.
“The impact of COVID-19 on arts organizations was instantaneous," says Simon Mallett, the foundation's executive director. "As soon as gatherings were restricted, so too were most revenue-earning opportunities for arts organizations.
“However, one of the things we’re now seeing as folks are physically distancing, is that so many people are turning to the arts for connection, learning and entertainment."
The goal is to assess applications from art groups with charitable status on an ongoing basis, with notification within 72 hours after receipt.
Funding is focused on Calgary and the surrounding area, including Rocky View County, MD Foothills, Banff, Canmore, Drumheller and Rosebud, as well as provincial organizations whose initiatives directly benefit the Calgary arts community.
The Rozsa Foundation, created in 1990, is a philanthropic organization that supports the arts in Alberta. It builds on the legacy of Ted and Lola Rozsa, who supported non-profit arts groups in Calgary.
Full details, including eligibility requirements, can be found here. Questions can be sent to Mallett at simon@rozsafoundation.org.
Source: The Rosza Foundation