South Arts has launched a relief and recovery fund to aid artists impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton that ravaged communities across the American Southeast, taking the lives of 229 people across seven states and causing a combined $97.5b USD in damage.
The initiative will directly support media, artists, writers and filmmakers — both in the short-term, as well as mid-to-long-term recovery across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. “This is a pivotal moment for our region’s cultural landscape,” said South Arts president and CEO, Susie Surkamer, in a statement. “While we are providing immediate relief through this program, we recognize there is still much work ahead.”
Nonprofits across the region have joined in the efforts, including Alternate Roots, Mid Atlantic Arts and National Performance Network. South Arts was founded in 1975 to aid and supports artists and cross-cultural collaboration, as well as make art accessible to marginalized communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Applicants must be 18 years of age, actively engaged in their respective practice, from craft, literary arts and media/film, to performing arts, traditional folk arts and visual arts. Please visit South Arts for more information.
