Hope after
Helene
Emergency Relief Resources
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Give Hope Now!
We encourage everyone to give to the NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund to provide funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene.
When you donate enter the word “RELIEF” in the description for your gift.
NC Arts Foundation brings private and public sector partners into collaborations that extend the benefits of the arts to residents in rural, urban, and metropolitan counties across our state.
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WNC Arts Needs Assessment Form - for FUNDING!
WNC Artists and Arts Organizations: WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please let us know about your immediate and upcoming needs, so we can better support you. Help us secure vital resources and financial assistance unique to the Arts in Western NC.
WAC has a data collection form that could help us assess our community needs in more detail. If you have the time please also submit a form here.
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Local Arts Relief Fund
Watauga Arts Council created this special fund to be able to quickly respond to the unique needs of our local artists and arts organizations.
These funds will support local relief efforts and provide opportunities for the community to experience the power of art to help them find hope and to heal. If you want to ensure your donation reaches Watauga County artists, give here. #wataugastrong
Arts-Specific Support
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Western NC Artist Relief Fund - Read the full guidelines and apply here
Eligibility
Applicants must currently reside in one of the counties, and be 18 years of age or older.
Applicants must be activity working in one of the following artistic fields: craft, literary, media, performing, visual, and interdisciplinary arts
Applicants must have been substantially impacted by Hurricane Helene.
This grant is intended for individual artists; nonprofits are not eligible for this opportunity.
Due to the high volume of need, awardees will not be eligible to apply again until further notice.
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Attention Musicians - We were contacted by a national foundation that has funds to provide relief for musicians. If you’re a musician in need of additional support, please reach out to us at director@watauga-arts.org or mediasupport@watauga-arts.org. Once you contact us, we can push your name through!
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CERF+ offers $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.
To qualify for an Emergency Relief Grant, applicants need to be craft artists who are 18 years of age or older. They must have been living and working in the U.S. or U.S. Territories for the past two years. Additionally, they should not have received an Emergency Relief Grant in the previous year or exceeded the maximum lifetime limit of 4 grants.
To apply, visit our website and complete the online application with supporting documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions, contact programs@cerfplus.org or (802) 229-2306.
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MusiCares offers an Emergency Financial Assistance Program providing financial grants for musicians in crisis.
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The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation.
Each grant is given as one-time assistance for a specific emergency, examples of which are fire, flood, or emergency medical need.
More info about The Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant>>
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Administered by the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), a 501(c)(3) organization, the NIVF Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) is dedicated to providing economic relief to independent, live performance venues and promoters, both for-profit and nonprofit, across the United States experiencing a critically severe emergency due to circumstances beyond their control.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed for eligibility as received throughout the year. Funding will be subject to availability and distributed according to a grant agreement. Please note NIVA membership is not a prerequisite for applying to NIVF Emergency Relief Fund.
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The Center for Craft is reactivating the Craft Futures Fund grant program for emergency relief so that they may direct essential resources to support and care for the artists and community of Western North Carolina.
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The IBMA Trust Fund was established in 1987 as a means to offer financial assistance to bluegrass music professionals in times of emergency need.
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Cheap Joe's Art Stuff - Art Supplies Replacement
Cheap Joe's in Boone and Asheville are here to help. If your supplies were lost or damaged in the storm, please fill out this support form and they will do what they can to help you get back on your feet
https://cheapjoes.com/pages/disaster-relief
To give to this fund: https://cheapjoes.com/products/donate-to-brushes-for-vincent
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National Heritage Responders
The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068.
Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at fema.gov/assistance/save-family-treasures. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.
Opportunities
Scroll down for more opportunities……
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU LEARN OF NEW OPPORTUNITY, RESOURCE, OR GRANT WE SHOULD ADD TO THIS LIST.
Important!
The Small Business Association (SBA) considers artists as small businesses. This means they can apply for SBA loans. Artists should call FEMA first and apply as an individual FIRST to get into the disaster recovery system. THEN You can apply as a small business for 30 year loans with a low interest rate (4%). Payments are deferred for 12 months and approval in less than 30 days. Credit score at or around 570 and above will be accepted. The average loan is $75,000. Apply NOW - Be proactive! - as soon as possible. Don’t wait for FEMA to knock at your door.
Other Support
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National Heritage Responders
The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068.
Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at fema.gov/assistance/save-family-treasures. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.
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Pisgah Legal Services is also offering free aid in applying for FEMA and other assistance Monday at their Charlotte St office 10am-4pm.
More Updates from Pisgah Legal Services>>
Implement Legal was born in Asheville, NC, and many of our beloved clients, friends, and family live in Western NC. At the firm, we understand Helene as both a humanitarian crisis and a cultural heritage disaster. Hundreds of artists in the region have lost their life’s work. Their homes and studios are destroyed. Arts institutions are similarly impacted.
We are offering pro bono legal services to artists and arts institutions impacted by the disaster. If you need help, please fill out the form below.
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Attorney David Bartholomew was interviewed by Blue Ridge Public Radio regarding the rights of renters:
“Tenants are going to have the option of canceling their lease if they need to, but they also have a right to stay there in the property and require the landlord to fix it,” Bartholomew said.
In North Carolina, evictions can only happen through the court system. And if your county court is closed, you can’t get evicted. Until Oct. 14, Bartholomew said, “Legally, you can’t be kicked out. You can’t be locked out. And if landlords are trying to tell tenants that they have to leave, tenants should respond that they have to go through the court system.”
If tenants are confused about their rights or suspect that a landlord may be taking illegal actions against them, Pisgah Legal Services can be contacted online@pisgahlegal.org or 828-253-0406.
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The Internal Revenue Service has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in the entire state of North Carolina that were affected by Hurricane Helene. These taxpayers now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
Following the disaster declaration issued by FEMA individuals and households that reside or have a business in the entire state qualify for tax relief.
Affected taxpayers with returns and payments with due dates postponed until Feb. 3, 2025 due to Tropical Storm Debby in North Carolina will also now have until May 1, 2025 to file and/or pay.
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HUD is now offering federal disaster assistance for disaster victims in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.
HUD will be providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages issued by the Federal Housing Administration; making mortgage insurance available to disaster victims; offering financing for mortgage and home rehabilitation; increasing spending flexibility for Community Planning and Development Grantees; and ensuring HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to assist those impacted by natural disasters.
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The Boone Chamber of Commerce has been hard at work ensuring the community is organized and informed. They have additional resources as well as information about where you can volunteer on their website. Check them out! >>
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Legal Aid will be at Watauga High School from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8 in the Aux Gym. They will be providing information and answering questions regarding FEMA, landlord tenant issues, insurance claims, etc. Walk-ins are fine, but RSVP is preferred so we know how many people to expect. Register Here.
Prior to Tuesday, October 8, there will be information available at the high school that details renters' rights along with information about the FEMA process. Please stop by the school and ask a volunteer for that packet.
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WAMMY is providing assistance filling out these applications in BOONE NC.
This program includes disaster relief to artists and self-employed individuals.Individual Assistance is available to individuals and households in a location with a major disaster declaration. For disasters declared on or after March 22, 2024, FEMA’s Individual Assistance program was expanded to include quicker access to needed funds including simplifying assistance for self-employed individuals such as self-employed artists and entrepreneurs.
Search the most recent disaster declarations at fema.org/disaster to see if your county is listed.
FEMA Fact Sheet on Arts and Culture >>
More FEMA Resources for NC >> -
Following a federal disaster declaration because of Hurricane Helene, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. People in these counties have 60 days from October 1 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is December 2.
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Recent changes to FEMA and HENTF have made it easier to deliver aid to communities and individuals and may make aid more accessible to artists, entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, as well as cultural institutions and arts organizations.
NCAPER Rapid Damage Assessment Forms: If you were impacted, or know artists and cultural institutions impacted for a disaster, please fill out one of the following rapid damage assessment forms.
With support from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) and in collaboration with the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC), these new online assessment forms will help identify where assistance is sought, provide assistance where needed, understand critical needs, and inform recovery efforts moving forward. Learn more about these changes.
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SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene.
Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Apply for Disaster Assistance>>
The SBA will be available at 130 Poplar Grove Connector from 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. to assist homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and business owners in the area. Appointments are needed at this location, and can be scheduled at the following link: sba.gov/disaster
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Disaster Survivor Assistance Representatives are making their way out into Watauga County to help answer questions regarding what you need to do to receive funding for disaster recovery. Know your social security number and banking information including routing and account number or bring a voided check. No appointments are necessary for these locations. If you need assistance uploading documents, staff will be available to help. Locations for today, October 5th, will include:
Stewart Simmons Fire Department: 191 Jakes Mountain Rd, Deep Gap, NC 28618
Meat Camp Fire Department: 4797 NC Hwy 194 N, Boone NC 28607
Bethel Baptist Church: 125 Mountaindale Rd, Vilas NC 28692
WE NEED YOU!!
Please take the Arts Impact Surveys so we can collect data and report on the impact of this storm on home, but also on income.
Opportunities and Other Announcements
SALES AND EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES
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Mustard Seed Artist Market
Friday/Saturday,
December 6th - 7th
10 AM-5 PM
Mustard Seed Artist Market is expanding their market for more artists to attend. More info about the event and vending fees.
Full booths are 10x10 ft. and half booths are 5x 5 ft. Please let us know your desired booth size using the form below.Vendor qualifications are as follows:
Vendors must provide own point of sale or applicable selling system of choice (cash, card, etc.)
Vendors are responsible for all booth items (tables, chairs, tents, etc.) as well as set-up and tear down of their booth
Vendors must be able to be at the booth at all times during the Artisan Market
Vendors will be required to pay the booth fee prior to the event. Booth fees are as follows: $125 for indoor full booths, $75 for indoor half booths, $95 for outdoor full booths, $50 for outdoor half booths.
Submit Your Application HERE
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Machon County Arts Council Invite to Art Vendors
The Director of the Machon County Arts Center invited artists of storm affected areas to take part in some of their vending events. Artists may join them at their Free Community Art Day on November 16, and at Cowee Christmas on December 7, with no fee to the artists. They have also invited artists to sell in their Christmas shop.
Cowee Christmas
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 AM 3:00 PM Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center
contact: gayle@coweeschool.org
For any other opportunities, contact: Laura Brooks directly at: laura@coweeschool.org
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We are actively working with our community partners to create additional art vending opportunities to make up for the list sales during peak season. Please check back often.
Please share events you are aware of too so we can update this list!
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Shear Shakti wants to exhibit a new artist starting for First Friday Art Crawl in November. If you are interested in displaying and selling your work at Shear Shakti, a popular salon in downtown Boone, please contact us. Artwork is usually displayed for up to 3 months.
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Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage is a juried art show that features different artists each week.
Think of Edgewood Cottage as your personal art gallery in a beautiful historic setting on Main St. in downtown Blowing Rock, NC.
If selected, you will be present at the cottage to greet visitors, sell your art, and demonstrate your techniques. Feel free to continue creating art during your time at the cottage. Visitors love to watch artists practice their medium!
Artist Fees
$85 Participation fee for all selected first time artists. Alum artists do not pay this participation fee.
25% donation to the Blowing Rock Historical Society for your total sales
(excluding taxes) made during your show25% donation to the Blowing Rock Historical Society for any sales or commissions made within 1 month of your participation that happen as a result of your show.
Visit the website for a full list of qualifications and to submit an application.
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
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Watauga Arts Council has launched a Cards of Hope program that invites the community to write cards of hope to victims of the storm, and cards of gratitude to helpers and service men, and cards of love to our home, Watauga county. Cards can be made at:
Home and dropped off at Watauga Arts Council
The Watauga Arts Coucil or Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.
Special events at local restaurants and businesses.
Email us or call with questions! We will distribute these to appropriate outlets and showcase them online.
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Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is hosting some expressive arts workshops through the end of the month. Find more information here:
Kids workshop:
https://www.blowingrockmuseum.org/calendar/expartyouthAdults workshop: https://www.blowingrockmuseum.org/calendar/expartyouth-ym9a7
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO
Join the Shop WNC Shoppers Guide
This site was designed to create a central platform for storm affected areas of Western NC businesses to advertise their events or stores. We requested permission to include artists in this endeavor and they added a category for you! Artists who have brick and mortar or online shops may list their businesses on the Boone or Blowing Rock Directory. Please let us know if you add your profile so we can promote it online!
Document and Response to Helene
WE NEED YOU! If you have video, photography, documentaries, written stories, or any sort of arts response to the storm, please consider sharing it with us so we can share with others.
Additionally, NC Artist Relief Fund is looking for content to help them tell the story of the impact of this storm on the arts sector. You can help! Email us or call for info.
SUPPLIES AND SPACE
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Potters and Clay Artists - High Water Clay Replacements
High Water Clay may take up to 18 months to reopen. We have put together a list of locations clay artists can visit to get clay.
Rising Sun, Garry: 704-735-582 - limited supply, call ahead.
Carolina Clay: has Lagoona Clay and Standard Clay. (Standards Clays are comparable to High Water Clay) Call(704) 376-7221
Starworks in Seagrove: (910) 428-9001 -
We have an offer from a local business in Boone NC to provide studio space to artists who need it. Studio space would be available from October through March. Please Email and also fill out this form if you have need for space to work over the next few months.
Tell us what you need
Need Studio Space?
If you need studio space - whether storm related or not, please fill out this form. We have some places that have been offered to us for temporary support, and we are working on more permanent options.
Need Support with Applications?
We can help you apply for relief. Some of the specific arts-related relief support above can be confusing to navigate. Please message us if you want to schedule a time to use our computers or if you want someone to walk you through an application.
Need Income? Teach!
We are hiring instructors to teach free classes for kids and adults through October and November. If you have need some extra income and have experience teaching art - any medium - please reach out. If you love it you can keep teaching into the Spring Semester. Call or email us with questions.
WAC is actively working to create opportunities for our artists who lost opportunities to sell or perform due to the storm. Potential opportunities include a page on our website to sell local artists work to people off the mountain, creating holiday vending events, and creating opportunities with venues off the mountain to send you to. Please fill out the form below to help us know which opportunities to pursue.
Here to Help!
Office Resources at any Hours
Stop by for a visit - charge your electronics & battery packs, use our kitchen, or make cards with us. We are here to welcome you. We have snacks in the cabinets and drinks in the fridge; coffee is always on. We also have volunteers who are ready to help with your laundry.
Applications for Relief
See all the resources for individuals and organizations below. If you need help filling out any of the forms below, we have board members on standby willing and able to help you get started. Please don’t hesitate to message us. We also have Wifi and computers here at office that you can use.
Free Classes for Kids and Adults
For the month of October, WAC weekly classes will be cancelled. However, We are offering free classes and drop in workshops at various times throughout the month. Pop over to our classes and community page to register!
Cards of Hope
Watauga Arts Council and Blowing Rock Art and History Museum are teaming up to collect hand decorated cards to offer hope after Helene. We are seeking writers and artists of all kind to make cards of hope to victims of the storm, gratitude to those who have helped, or a letter to Watauga, our home. These cards will be dispersed to the appropriate audiences. We will also use them to inform the upcoming mural that will be painted in the tunnels on the Middle Fork Greenway.
Drop by the office during business hours to make cards. You can also drop off cards you already made. We will have a few nights at local restaurants to make these as well.
Places to Join:
Drop premade cards or written notes to WAC office any time. We will have a box on the porch to collect.
Make cards at the office: Stop by during office hours to make a card at our office. Supplies provided along with snacks and music to listen to while you work. All ages welcome.
Come see us on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 from 7pm - 10pm at South End Brewing. Beer and Banjos is having a benefit concert by Dogful Dead. We will be there with a table set up for making cards of hope or gratitude. All are welcome!
