The Oklahoma Film + Music Office is aware of the enormous financial burden to those whose creative practices and incomes are being adversely impacted by COVID-19. We are deeply saddened that it is resulting in loss of work due to venue closures, halts on productions, festival and event cancellations, and travel restrictions. To help support the concerns of the industry during this time, we have expanded our website to include organizations providing economic relief funds to qualifying applicants.

For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, we encourage you to follow the CDC, Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and Oklahoma State Government websites.

For Considerations and Resources for Oklahoma Filmmaking during COVID-19, visit the Health + Safety tab on the Film Resources page.

The Oklahoma State Health Department (OSHD) announced an online portal for Oklahomans to submit their demographic details, medical history, COVID-19 history and contact information to gather information regarding your readiness for COVID-19 vaccination, and offer guidance and instruction to ensure your safety. Follow the links below to access this portal and for more information.

Actors Fund Emergency Assistance
To help our community manage during this public health crisis The Actors Fund has partnered with several industry organizations to provide emergency financial assistance to those who have immediate financial needs.

Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers
Americans for the Arts is proud to have been brought on as the research partner in that effort, and in that role was asked to develop and deploy the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, which is designed to capture financial and creative impact of COVID-19 on creative workers, highlight the resiliency and generosity of the creative sector, and make sure that the 5 million creative workers in the U.S. are supported and heard during this ongoing crisis and the eventual recovery.

Americans for the Arts Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Arts and Cultural Organizations
This survey is designed to collect information about the financial and human impacts that the spread of the coronavirus has had on arts and cultural organizations since that date. The survey also collects basic information about the participating organizations so that the data can be analyzed by specific geographic regions, artistic disciplines, and budget categories.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

Oklahoma Commerce – COVID-19 Resources
The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) event is a rapidly changing situation and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is closely monitoring updates and guidance from our federal and state partners. Commerce staff have compiled a list of common SBA Loan Application FAQ’s.

Oklahoma Tax Commission Free Tax Assistance
The federal government will send one-time economic stimulus payments that will be direct-deposited (or mailed) based the filing of 2019 or 2018 taxes. Filing your taxes will ensure you receive this one-time economic stimulus payment. If you have not filed your taxes for 2018 or 2019, this is your first step. The federal government is sending up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, depending on your income. Extension to file 2019 income taxes is July 15, 2020.

Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits
Oklahoma unemployment benefits will now be extended to self-employed and 1099 “gig” workers. Acceptance and approval applications for benefits is determined only by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

Paycheck Protection Program
To promote access for smaller lenders and their customers, SBA will initially only accept Second Draw PPP Loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs), which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries. Paycheck Protection Program lending will reopen to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP Loans the week of January 11, 2021. SBA will begin accepting applications for Second Draw PPP Loans on January 13, 2021.

SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA members who are in an emergency financial crisis related to COVID-19 may request assistance to cover basic expenses like rent, mortgage, utilities and medical bills. To apply to the fund, members must have paid their dues through October 2019.

Sundance Institute
At the Institute’s core is a commitment to champion the creation of unique work by individual storytellers. Through open applications and by invitation, we offer labs, grants, intensives, mentorships with accomplished professionals, and ongoing support to advance the development, production, and completion of independent work.

The Motion Picture Television Fund
The Motion Picture Television Fund is here to help those members of our industry workforce who are undergoing hardship due to COVID-19 related issues—thanks to the generosity of our community. Call the intake line at (323) 634-3888. (Application is not available online – only via phone, but click the link above for the website and other resources they offer.)

Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers
Americans for the Arts is proud to have been brought on as the research partner in that effort, and in that role was asked to develop and deploy the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, which is designed to capture financial and creative impact of COVID-19 on creative workers, highlight the resiliency and generosity of the creative sector, and make sure that the 5 million creative workers in the U.S. are supported and heard during this ongoing crisis and the eventual recovery.

Americans for the Arts Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Arts and Cultural Organizations
This survey is designed to collect information about the financial and human impacts that the spread of the coronavirus has had on arts and cultural organizations since that date. The survey also collects basic information about the participating organizations so that the data can be analyzed by specific geographic regions, artistic disciplines, and budget categories.

Bluegrass Trust Fund
As a commitment to our professional bluegrass community, the IBMA Trust Fund Board of Trustees has set aside up to $150,000 of current assets for COVID-19 crisis assistance and has established an account specifically for COVID-19 Relief.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Since its inception in 1963, the mission of the Foundation for Contemporary Arts has been to encourage, sponsor, and promote innovative work in the arts created and presented by individuals, groups, and organizations. FCA depends on artists to fund its programs; to date, over 1,000 artists have contributed paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, performances, and videos to help fund grant programs that directly support individual artists working in dance, music/sound, performance art/theater, poetry, and the visual arts.

Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund
Financial assistance in time of extraordinary need, emergency or catastrophe to individuals who are or have been employed full time in a facet of the country music industry (i.e. performer, songwriter, publisher, radio, session musician, etc.).

Jazz Foundation of America
Musicians who have made a living playing blues, jazz and roots music know they can call our office at any time or walk through our doors for help in solving an emergency. We average 30 individual musician emergency cases a day and approximately 9,000 assists every year. We prevent homelessness with housing assistance, keep artists healthy with pro bono medical care and provide financial support that keeps the lights on and food on the table.

Music Health Alliance
Music Health Alliance’s mission is to Heal the Music by providing access to healthcare through services that PROTECT, DIRECT & CONNECT music professionals with medical and financial solutions.

Musicians Foundation
Musicians Foundation is formed to foster the interests and advance the condition and social welfare of professional musicians and to provide voluntary aid and assistance to professional musicians and their families in case of need. (Est. 1914)

Oklahoma Commerce – COVID-19 Resources
The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) event is a rapidly changing situation and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is closely monitoring updates and guidance from our federal and state partners. Commerce staff have compiled a list of common SBA Loan Application FAQ’s.

Oklahoma Tax Commission Free Tax Assistance
The federal government will send one-time economic stimulus payments that will be direct-deposited (or mailed) based the filing of 2019 or 2018 taxes. Filing your taxes will ensure you receive this one-time economic stimulus payment. If you have not filed your taxes for 2018 or 2019, this is your first step. The federal government is sending up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, depending on your income.

Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits
Oklahoma unemployment benefits will now be extended to self-employed and 1099 “gig” workers. Acceptance and approval applications for benefits is determined only by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission

Pinetop Perkins Foundation
The primary mission of The Pinetop Perkins Foundation is to provide encouragement and support for youth and young people at the beginning of their musical career (MasterClass Workshop Experience); and help provide care and safety for elderly musicians at the twilight of their career (Pinetop Assistance League).

Red Dirt Relief Fund
As an organization that provides a safety net of emergency assistance to Oklahoma music people, the Red Dirt Relief Fund cannot imagine a more critical time to come to their aid. The Red Dirt Relief Fund, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has provided more than $170,000 to 50+ music people in 21 Oklahoma cities and towns since its inception in 2012. Grant recipients’ situations range from loss of work after accidents, chronic illness or medical emergencies to loss of property due to fire and tornado. $50,000 in COVID-19 relief has been pledged for Oklahoma music professionals.

Red Dirt Relief Fund COVID Crisis Grant
As the pandemic continues to impact the music industry, the Red Dirt Relief Fund recognizes that many Oklahoma music people are still unemployed or underemployed and may face critical moments that require a safety net the Red Dirt Relief Fund was created to provide. At the same time, their financial resources are limited to help everyone in need. To that end, they are offering grants (up to $1000/household) to music professionals who face immediate housing, food, medical or transportation insecurity due to COVID-19-related economic loss.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, earmarked for live music and comedy venues, agents, promoters, theaters and festivals, to be administered by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

Sweet Relief’s COVID-19 Fund
Sweet Relief is here to provide immediate assistance and we have created this DONOR-DIRECTED FUND with a limited amount of funds available to be used specifically for musicians and music industry workers affected by the Coronavirus. Funds raised will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses to those impacted due to sickness or loss of work.

The Blues Foundation HART Fund
The Blues Foundation established the HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust) for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral and burial expenses. Throughout the year at various events the HART Fund provides free health screenings for musicians, with services including but not limited to checking blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, prostate cancer, Hep C, anemia, thyroid, kidney and liver testing via blood work.

Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture’s Play Tulsa Music (Music Recovery Program)
The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture’s (Tulsa FMAC) Play Tulsa Music is a music recovery effort designed to help fund Tulsa County music venues and get Tulsa musicians back to performing live music safely. The Play Tulsa Music program funds are available for venues in Tulsa County hiring musicians to perform live music from September 2020 to December 2020. Tulsa FMAC will work with Tulsa Regional Tourism/Tulsa Regional Chamber accounting team to disburse allocated funds in compliance with CARES Act.

Event Safety Alliance
The Event Safety Alliance, headed by ESA vice president Steven Adelman and operations director Jacob Worek, have released official safety guidelines for live music venues in order to prepare for their eventual reopening, according to Billboard. This news is certainly exciting, as it if the first step toward returning to live music that has been taken since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the live music world. While the guidelines have been released, tours and concerts are still being cancelled and postponed. Listen here to the Event Safety Alliance podcast for additional news and guidance on reopening safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Open-air Nightlife and COVID-19: Managing Outdoor Space & Sound
In response to the severe and increasing vulnerability of global nighttime economies and cultures caused by COVID-19, a global collaboration of some of the foremost minds on nightlife governance and urban planning, spearheaded by nightlife advocacy agency, VibeLab, has created the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan (GNRP).

Resources to Help Ensure Accessibility of Your Virtual Events for People with Disabilities
Since the start of the current COVID-19 crisis, artists and arts and culture organizations have been proactive in reaching out to their audiences and communities through webinars, livestreamed performances, virtual classes, and virtual visual art collections and museum tours. Cultural organizations should remember to ensure that these invaluable resources are fully accessible to people with disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, and learning disabilities.

ASCAP Wellness Service for Members
If creating music is your life, ASCAP’s mission is to support you every step of the way. And that means supporting the whole you. That’s why we’re so proud to introduce the ASCAP Wellness Program, designed especially for our music creator members, intended to help nourish your body, mind and spirit so you can be your creative best.

Come Together: Music Industry Support Group
The support groups will aim to address the anxieties associated with COVID-19’s effects on the music industry, provide information and resources, and support each other during this difficult time.

Entertainment Health Services
We know it can be difficult to navigate a career while struggling to have a life of your own, especially in the entertainment industry. That’s why EHS offers a comprehensive list of counseling and life coaching services that assists our clients with managing the day-to-day stress in entertainment as well as balancing personal life struggles.

Lifeline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Mental Health: Actors Fund
Mental Health. Our licensed clinicians help industry professionals and their families deal with and provide ongoing support services for issues like work and personal stress, anxiety, depression and life transitions.

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to responding to COVID-19. Oklahomans are resilient and we at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are here for you during this time of uncertainty.

Oklahoma Museums Association
Wellbeing is an important part of our lives each day, especially now as we face a unique set of challenges. Learning how to take care of yourself is an important step, not only in the present, but for the rest of your life. How you address your wellbeing‒whether it be emotional, physical, social, workplace, or societal‒will improve your quality of life.

Tour Support
Offering independent touring contractors whose tours have been postponed or cancelled one month of free online therapy through Better Help, plus two free weeks of emotional wellness coaching.

Cherokee Nation Film Office
The Cherokee Nation Film Office is aware of the immense impact COVID-19 has had on the film industry, and we have been working to compile resources for those who may be directly or indirectly affected.

Folk Alliance International: Ask an Expert
Join a group of industry experts to discuss the legal and operational impacts of widespread COVID-19 closures on the performing arts industry.

National Independent Venue Association
Independent venue hubs are critical to their local economies and tax bases as employers, tourism destinations, and revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. Independent venues exist in every state across the country; they were the first to be closed, they will be the last to open.

Tulsa Film, Music, Arts, & Culture
The mission of Tulsa Film, Music, Arts, & Culture is to develop and connect resources to grow and enhance the Region’s creative industries + promoting Tulsa as a creative hub and cultural destination

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