COVID-19 Vegas Musicians and Artists Fund
The Covid-19 outbreak has been devastating for the entertainment industry in Vegas, and all musicians, artists, photographers, and freelancers who work in it. All Vegas strip stages went dark on Sunday, March 15th with almost no notice and the majority of outside gigs have also been cancelled leaving Vegas musicians and freelancers with no work indefinitely.
For many who do only this, keeping up with even the basic expenses of food, medication, and supplies will be a severe hardship.
My name is Andrea Bensmiller and I'm a working musician and teacher in Vegas, and I personally won't be using these funds, but there are hundreds of other people here who will...AND SOON. There is no way to know exactly how long Vegas will be shut down, but many conventions and events have been cancelled for months going forward.
This crises will be devastating for Vegas in general, but musicians and artists are particularly vulnerable.
So I am asking for assistance for them so we can quickly and effectively rebuild the entertainment side of Vegas once this virus is contained.
To be honest, even writing this seems surreal. Like most people all over the world, we have been totally shocked by how quickly the crises has hit and what it entails to contain it. The anxiety is only magnified for those of our community who are running out of resources too quickly with no chance of gaining other work.
We understand that there are many other industries and people that will suffer in this crises. But if you can help we would greatly appreciate your support during this difficult time.
IMPORTANT:
For those of you with questions about how the funds will be distributed, it's very early in this campaign for us. The criteria will be clearly for people in the most grave need, and will be defined as we gather information from people who request funds. More information is coming in constantly about how to do that, and we will continue to adapt to changing information and needs. If you are someone with experience in charitable organization operations, please contact Andrea Bensmiller at [email redacted]
For anyone who has donated, we great appreciate your support! Please continue to share the link and support the music and arts community in any way you can.
Info for Aid Recipients:
1. We have no idea at this point how much money will be available to the fund. That will become more clear over the course of the next two weeks. Please keep this is mind when you apply.
2. Depending on need, your application may be rejected. Please keep using other means of aid that are available to the community wherever possible.
3. The team members helping to administer this fund are still being chosen. Please be patient as we mobilize and find people who can help us do this process efficiently. Also keep in mind that we are not a charity and have no experience in charitable operations. We are musicians trying to help other artists.
4. As of today, the maximum amount the fund can provide in assistance is $100. Minimums and maximums may change in the future depending on the success of the campaign as will the priorities of what funds will be used for as other state aid becomes available.
5. If an official Governor's fund is set up in the coming weeks or months, the total remaining amount of the fund may be transferred there for better dispersal to the community. Your completion of the application form is acceptance of this possibility.
6. By participating in the application process, you hold harmless the team organizers. Our intention is to disperse all funds to the community. GoFundMe fees will be incurred and taken from the fund upon withdrawal.
If you are a musician, artist, or freelancer in need, please complete the official application by clicking here . Please be patient as we continue to build and develop this project. If your application is incomplete, it will not be processed, however, I will email you to let you know and you can provide that information afterwards.
Thank you!
Musically Yours,
Andrea Bensmiller and Ginger Bruner
