Stuck in Japan

We 4 artists: Clara Campos (Brazil), Teresa Currea (Columbia), Helen Lee (USA) and Oriana Marín (Columbia) are stuck in Kofu, Japan. We are currently in quarantine till April 14. Each of us traveled here for a month artist residency for March. We each paid $750 for the residency and a place to live. On the closing of our exhibition/performances March 29th, we wanted to celebrate. It turns out the restaurant we went to, 3 employees are confirmed positive with the corona virus.

Clara: "My visa is till May 7th and my flight was supposed to go to Shanghai from Japan, where I have family but China is not accepting foreigners right now.  Brazil's cases are increasing by the day, so I will try to extend my visa in Japan till the end of May."

Teresa: "My visitor permit is valid till May 10 however I am not able to get into Columbia till May 30 because of the travel ban. I am trying to figure out where I can go May 10-May 30 or extend my visa. There is not a direct flight from Japan to Colombia and will need to make a transfer in Europa or USA. And with the situation changing daily, I worry I will not be able to make one of the connections and get stuck somewhere in Europe or USA. Also since the crisis started in my country, local currency is going down so the money from my savings now is not as valuable. I'm trying to make a living from being an artist but right now art market is in pause, so no earnings for now."

Helen: "My flight to Chicago is from Bangkok on April 14th. Because of the quarantine, I am not able to get to Thailand for my flight. In addition, there is now a travel ban to Thailand. I will need to get a direct flight from Japan to Chicago. While away, I was laid off from the yoga company I have taught at for over 8 years with no severance pay.  I did apply for unemployment and await the status. My family has been advising me to stay in my location for as long as I can. My plan is to stay in Japan till my visa is over May 30th and then will go into a AirBnb to self quarantine once in Chicago.  I need to do this as I have concerns about returning home immediately as I live with my 70 year dad who is asthmatic. If anyone knows of Chicago Quarantine locations, please do let me know.  Also I will be offering a live yoga class on Zoom, Saturday, April 11 at 8am CST, please reach out to me on my email, FB or Instagram (handle below)."

Oriana: "My flight home was on April 28 and it has been cancelled, the initial travel ban in Colombia was until April 30 but they just extended it until May 30 and it might still change again in the near future. I’m trying to stay in Japan at least until May 30, but that might also change because the Covid19 situation in my country is not getting any better. There are no direct flights from Japan to Colombia so I would have to travel to another country were the situation is uncertain and unsafe (Europe, USA, and Mexico are the usual travel connections)."

After our 14 day quarantine, we are being asked to leave from the residency. We are concerned about traveling as the numbers increase in Yamanashi Prefecture. We did find a AirBnb 45m away by car and plan to be there April 14 - May 1, we could not book longer b/c someone else has booked it. We are considering our options on how to travel to our AirBnb. A taxi is about $200.  After May 1st, we are unsure of where to go. 

We have organized this to ask for help because we are in need. We understand so many of us in the world currently are struggling financially. If you are able to donate or provide any resources we would be so grateful. Thank you to those that have already donated to us. Below is a breakdown of our financial needs. Sending health, safety, love and compassion to all of us and to our world. 

Artist Residency Quarantine Stay April 1-14, $1,044 total for 4
AirBnb April 14-May 1, $633
Possible AirBnb for May $1,000
Food for 4 people for 1 month $1,500
Transportation $400
Incidentals $440

Donations from other sources -$315

If you are interested in any of our works, can find us on Instagram.
Clara [email redacted]a
Teresa Currea @teresacurrea
Helen Lee @momentumsensorium
Oriana Marin @oriana_marin