We want to acknowledge the tough decisions and sacrifices that each of you are making to protect the health of our community and limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. While times may be uncertain, one thing that remains certain is the Office of Cultural Affairs commitment to San Jose’s arts and culture community.

We understand that you may have a lot of questions from the status of current grants to where to turn for information. City staff is working together across departments to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 on residents, businesses, and community based organizations—including arts and culture organizations.

We have compiled the following information to help guide you and will be periodically updating this page as new information becomes available.

CURRENT GRANTEES

We recognize that some grantees have needed to postpone, modify, or cancel their planned activities due to state and local public health guidelines. If you have a current project grant (i.e, take pART, Festival, Parade, and Celebration, Creative Industries Incentive Fund or Arts and Cultural Exchange Grants) from the City of San Jose that has been or expected to be impacted due to COVID-19, please rest assured that your grant manager will work with you to find the best solution.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

As part of the community’s response to COVID-19, the City of San José and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation have established the Silicon Valley Strong Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to leverage donations to alleviate the economic impacts of COVID-19 on residents, businesses, and community based organizations (including arts non-profits). Donations are currently being accepted. Please stay tuned as we look forward to sharing more information soon.

Also, remember arts non-profits and artist-run businesses are small businesses. Your organization may qualify for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Find more information about eligibility and loan terms on the SBA website. There is also information for San Jose businesses, including nonprofits, at SJ Economy.

WORKFORCE

As employers and employees, arts organizations should be aware that the State of California’s Employment Development Department  has programs to help both employers and employees deal with the costs of illness, caring for ill family members, shorter hours and closures. Local workforce development boards like work2future can guide employers and employees and facilitate their access to EDD services.  Extensions on payroll reports and payroll taxes are also available.

California's Labor & Workforce Development Agency has developed a helpful matrix of benefits to reduce some of the confusion for both employees and employers.

DATA GATHERING

There are also two important surveys we strongly encourage artists and arts organizations to fill out; one is from Americans for the Arts and the other is from California Arts Council. Data from these surveys provides important information to decision-makers and help influence funding streams for the arts and culture sectors in the pandemic recovery efforts.

NEWS AND INFORMATION

Information is changing quickly. You can find out about the latest local information from the following links:

  • The Santa Clara County Health Department COVID-19 website is frequently updated with guidance for workplaces, travel, schools, at-risk populations, and mass gatherings.Health Department updates are also available through social media through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • Sign up for news alerts from the City for updates on City events, resources and announcements. This information is also collected on the City’s Emergency Notifications page.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

The following are some additional resources to help you navigate through this challenging time:

  • Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits provides useful COVID-19 resources, information, and calls to action.
  • California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response is a comprehensive, consumer-friendly website from the Governor’s Office highlighting critical steps to stay healthy and resources available to Californians, including paid sick leave and unemployment assistance.
  • Americans for the Arts established the COVID-19 Resource and Response Center to provide up-to-date news and resources for the arts and culture field.
  • KQED published a helpful guide for individual creatives.
  • The DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland is offering pro bono consultation to any non-profit arts or cultural organization in America that would benefit from assistance.
  • Artist Relief Fund- Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19.

QUESTIONS

For questions about COVID-19 related information for arts and culture organizations, email culturalaffairs@sanjoseca.gov