Opportunity to Learn About Emergency Relief Grants and Resources for Preparedness and Recovery
Woodworker + Beneficiary Rene Delgado in his studio in Carolina, Puerto Rico
April 6, 2018 – Montpelier, VT – CERF+ The Artists Safety Net will present an information session on its Craft Emergency Relief Fund grants and no-interest loans for contemporary artists working in craft disciplines and traditional artisans on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 10am at the Museo y Centro de Estudios Humanístico Universidad del Turabo, Carretera 189, Km 3.3, Puerto Rico in the Amphitheater. The presentation by CERF+ Executive Director Cornelia Carey will be conducted in English and Spanish with Arts Outreach Consultant Brenna Quigley.
Artists and artisans who have suffered career-threatening emergencies due to Hurricane Maria are eligible for CERF+’s disaster relief—up to $6,000 in financial assistance and up to $9,000 in interest-free loans. Participants will learn about how to prepare applications, and how to access free resources, tools and information, and other sources of assistance. The presentation is open to artists, arts professionals, and anyone supporting the recovery efforts of artists. To register, email [email protected]
CERF+ is the leading national non-profit that uniquely focuses on helping studio artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters. Carey explains, “We’ve been working with our partners in Puerto Rico since October 2017 to identify and assist artists with devastating losses. Nearly 40 woodcarvers, leather makers, sculptors, ceramic artists, fiber artists and others, many with artisan certifications, have received $166,000 in assistance to aid in their recovery.”
In addition to major property damages, CERF+’s assistance helps artists who have been deeply affected by months of loss of electricity and running water and basic survival needs. Not being able to make or sell their work at local markets to tourists jeopardizes their livelihood as artists and important contributors to their creative economy. Internationally exhibited ceramic artist and jeweler Diana Dávila went 110 days without electrical power and 45 days without water. With CERF+ Emergency Relief, she was able to get back on track. Dávila states, “I fixed my car and was able to buy materials and battery powered tools to keep working in a more efficient way. A huge physical and emotional weight was lifted.”
About CERF+
CERF+ is the Artists’ Safety Net. Since 1985, our service network of fellow artists, art show producers and donors has pooled knowledge and funds to strengthen artist careers, protect work and spaces, and face a safe future together.
We work in two connected areas: Readiness resources safeguard and sustain professional artist careers, artwork and workspaces. Relief resources help artists get back on their feet after disasters – with emergency funds available for artists working in craft disciplines.
We believe art is America’s commonwealth – and artists are its most precious asset. Artists reflect our deepest emotions and make the imagined into reality. Their work and their stories can make life better and inspire us all. Artists don’t always have a safety net for emergencies. That’s why we exist. We envision a future where all professional artists thrive and are as well protected as the treasures they create. Learn more at www.cerfplus.org.