Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts for Artists
Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts has collected links to national, regional and local relief efforts for artists and cultural organizations.
Architecture for Humanity
Architecture for Humanity is working in two areas with distinct production needs: Bay St. Louis, Miss., and New Orleans, La. Some projects are focusing on bringing residents back to their communities; others on repair and restoration of the region's historic housing stock; still others on building affordable housing and sustainable neighborhoods that future generations will one day want to preserve and protect for their children. They welcome proposals from community groups partnering with architects to rebuild. To learn more about their priorities, visit their grants and proposals page.
Arts Unite for Hurricane Relief
Arts Unite for Hurricane Relief is working to connect artists who need housing with those who are willing to provide it.
Blues for Katrina
Blues For Katrina seeks to provide a forum for musicians, artists, agents and promoters to collaborate on efforts to stage benefit concerts and other fund-raising events to provide aid and relief to the unfortunate victims of Hurricane Katrina. The site offers online forums to find fellow musicians, find gigs and find needed equipment.
Habitat for Humanity's New Orleans Musicians' Village
Habitat for Humanity International and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, working with Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis, announced plans on Dec. 6 for a “Musicians’ Village” in the Crescent City. The Musicians’ Village, conceived by Connick and Marsalis, who are also honorary chairs of Habitat’s Operation Home Delivery hurricane rebuilding program, will consist of Habitat-constructed homes for displaced New Orleans musicians. Its centerpiece will be the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, dedicated to the education and development of homeowners and others who will live nearby.
Katrina Arts Trust (KAT)
T he Contemporary Arts Museum Houston recently launched the Katrina Artists Trust (KAT), a grant-making trust to provide financial support for visual artists in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. The fund is helping painters, sculptors and other visual artists who lived in the regions damaged by the hurricane rebuild their studios, purchase new materials and even salvage damaged works. The Trust’s grants will also contribute to the economic revitalization of the devastated region, aid these communities in their reconstruction efforts and help renew cultural tourism. The Museum welcomes other organizations as partners and collaborators in this effort. For further information, please call 713.284.8250. To donate by phone, fax or e-mail, click here. To donate online, click here. ARTISTS: Information regarding the application process can be found here. An online application is available here.
Louisiana State University's School of Art
LSU's School of Art is collecting art supplies for evacuees who are being housed and educated in the city and at LSU in Baton Rouge. Any art supplies, especially drawing pads, sketchbooks, pencils, markers, watercolor sets, crayons, charcoal, printmaking supplies, sculpture tools, papers, rulers, t-squares, and anything else that is not toxic or dangerous (e.g. oil paint chemicals) is sought. All donations can be sent directly to the School of Art office: Stuart Baron, Director, School of Art, Louisiana State University, 123 Art Bldg., Baton Rouge, LA 70803. If you are an artist in need of assistance or want more information to donate, call 225.578.5414 or e-mail baron@lsu.edu.
New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund
The New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund is an independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to aiding New Orleans musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina and reviving the city’s unique musical culture. Founded by Benjamin and Sarah Jaffe of Preservation Hall, N.O.M.H.R.F. offers grants to leaders in the music community, extends financial assistance to New Orleans musicians of all genres and helps connect musicians with instruments and gigs. MUSICIANS: Apply here for relief. You may also call 1-800-957-4026 to apply for relief over the phone. Operators are available Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. eastern time. The site also has a Resources Page with links to others providing assistance.
New Orleans Musician's Relief Fund
The fund is helping New Orleans musicians and their children. Recently, they kicked off the Great Toy Sleigh Ride to distribute toys to the children of New Orleans’ career musicians. Volunteers can donate time, money or equipment. A message board is also available for musicians to find gigs, assistance or equipment. NOMRF was founded by New Orleans musician Jeff Beninato and his wife, journalist Karen Dalton-Beninato. The board consists of John Stirrat of Wilco, John Griffith of Cowboy Mouth, production manager Robin Chambless, Ricky Castrillo of Dreamland and Sue Ford of Manwich.
Tipitina's Foundation
Tipitina's Foundation is attempting to locate all New Orleans artists and their families and then find housing for those who need it. They are also developing an ever-expanding database of people throughout the country who are ready and willing to give artists a temporary home or other support. If you are a New Orleans artist or someone who would like to help a New Orleans artist, fill out this online form. Personal contact information will not be posted on the website (other than your first name, your city, and your need/donation). If you are filling out the form for a missing artist, include your own contact information so they can contact you when the artist is found.