3Arts Steps Up Support For Artists In Challenging Year

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to 3Arts Executive Director Esther Grimm about arts funding in the time of COVID-19 and the organization’s annual Awards Celebration.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to 3Arts executive director Ether Grimm about the organization's commitment to artists even in challenging times.

“We made the decision this year given just how grueling and challenging the times are, especially for performing artists, to extend our resources and do everything that we can to invest more in artists more than ever before.” - 3Arts executive director Esther Grimm talking about the the organization’s efforts in 2020.

3Arts executive director Esther Grimm circa 2017.

Twenty-twenty has been a challenging year for everyone. It’s been especially trying for artists. The arts, culture and entertainment industries were among the first to be shut down by the pandemic and will likely be the last to re-open once we get back to whatever normal is in a post COVID-19 world.

This past summer, Americans for the Arts reported on the virus’ impact on the arts. The results were startling, the organization found that two-thirds of the nation’s artists were unemployed, and that number has likely increased since the report came out. The organization also estimates American artists will lose $50.6 billion in income in 2020.

A number of relief efforts have emerged nationally and locally to help fill some of those gaps. But it’s clear additional aid is needed.

One Chicago-based non-profit is doing its part by increasing its giving this year, 3Arts has been providing financial support to under-represented artists for the past 13 years through its annual grant program. The organization’s annual 3Arts Awards provide unrestricted cash grants to local artists in a variety of disciplines. 

This year, 3Arts plans to award $470,000 at its annual awards ceremony, which will be held virtually this year on Monday October 19.

The 13th 3Arts Awards Celebration will take place Monday October 19. The event will be streamed on Youtube, you just need to register in advance at 3arts.org/event. The Celebration will feature new works by 15 commissioned artists, all of whom are past 3Arts awardees.

And you can learn more about the efforts of 3Arts by visiting 3arts.org