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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIndependent artists who make a living performing or selling their work are largely left out of the federal relief programs keeping locals afloat during the coronavirus-caused economic crisis.<\/p>\n
The statewide Colorado Artist Relief Fund is attempting to fill the gap locally, offering grants up to $1,000 to individual artists in all media whose incomes have been impacted by COVID-19. The funds are intended for basic expenses like food, rent, medical costs and child care, but can also be used toward making the artists\u2019 work income-generating on virtual platforms.<\/p>\n
A collaborative effort by Colorado Creative Industries, RedLine Contemporary Art Center, Denver Arts and Venues and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the grant program has been overwhelmed with applications.<\/p>\n
It opened April 1 and received 571 applications in its first week, pausing applications on April 7 so its small team could process requests. Applications reopened April 17, when the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Colorado Creative Industries added $127,500 to the fund.<\/p>\n
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