A major disaster declaration was made (DY-4860-KY) following the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides of Feb. 14, and the counties eligible for some public and individual assistance are growing. The Kentucky Arts Council is dedicated to helping the arts and cultural sector connect with the unique resources they need to recover.
The most important message we can give you at this time: your experience in this disaster is significant. Loss can be physical (damage to property, vehicles, tools, etc.) or loss of opportunities like canceled gigs, postponed shows, and lost wages. Even if your losses don’t seem as substantial as your neighbor’s or that of a previous disaster, please document them, report them, and apply for assistance.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for information and assistance, our partners at the Kentucky Heritage Emergency Resource Network (KHERN) offer a concise and extensive page of resources for artists and organizations in the commonwealth. They’re also available to help you navigate the agencies, their purposes, and their processes.
KHERN Resources home page button: https://www.khern.org/home
Assistance is available for both artists and arts organizations (click to expand):
Artists
CERF+ – Emergency Relief Grants of $3,000 are available to craft artists who experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.
FEMA – Individual Assistance is available to individuals and households in a growing number of counties. 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.
HINTEF – Fill out the Rapid Damage Assessment Forms hosted by the National Coalition of Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER) and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation. Data from these forms is crucial in determining needs.
Conservation – Artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at [email protected].
Organizations
NCAPER – Provides a step-by-step Field Guide for arts organizations that have experienced disaster.
FEMA – Public Assistance is currently available in Category B (emergency protective measures).
HINTEF – Fill out the relevant Rapid Damage Assessment Forms hosted by the National Coalition of Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER) and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation. Data from these forms is crucial in determining needs.
Conservation – 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 202-661-8068.