CERF+ has started the COVID-19 Response Fund to support artists working in various craft disciplines. It also asks for donations to be made through its website, www.cerfplus.org.

“This fund is essential to our rapid and effective response to those artists suffering severe health impacts from the coronavirus, ensuring that CERF+ has the funds necessary to respond to this unprecedented crisis,” CERF+ executive director Cornelia Carey said in a statement.

CERF+ was also conducting a national COVID-19 impact survey in March to gather information from artists about their status.

“We need this data to advocate for artists and other self-employed workers to access various federal emergency relief packages from the federal government. This survey will also help us better understand how we can be most helpful to you,” Carey said.

CERF+ has assisted hundreds of professional artists working in craft disciplines with emergency financial assistance and has provided resources and educational programs for them to strengthen and sustain their careers.

The organization has suspended all workshops and gatherings until further notice.

For more, visit www.cerfplus.org. 

This article originally appeared in the May 2020 issue.