Foreign emergency funds for artists during COVID-19

As Italy engages in discussions about strategies for cultural recovery, several nations have already taken definitive financial actions. Berlin, Germany, has established a fund of €500 million for artists and freelancers, providing one-time grants of €5,000 via Investitionsbank Berlin Brandenburg (IBB). Meanwhile, Arts Council England in the UK has rolled out a £160 million emergency package for artists and organizations. In France, the Fondation Antoine de Galbert has suspended its regular activities to set up a temporary support fund for artists, with founder Antoine de Galbert highlighting that 90% lack galleries and collectors. Additionally, the J. Paul Getty Trust has initiated a $10 million fund for museums and nonprofits in Los Angeles, with grants between $25,000 and $200,000, managed by the California Community Foundation (CCF). The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has also donated $5 million to the Artist Relief coalition, which includes 23 other foundations, providing $5,000 grants to 100 artists over six months. In Italy, NUOVOIMAIE (Nuovo Istituto Mutualistico Artisti Interpreti Esecutori) has set aside over €5 million for a Special Fund aimed at music and audiovisual artists, with applications closing on April 23.