COVID-19 Resources for Artists, Arts Organizations and Museums
4/10/2020
The following organizations are providing frequently updated news and
resources for artists, arts organizations and museums affected by the
COVID-19 outbreak. If you have suggestions for additional resources,
please email artsinfo@vbgov.com.
Centers for Disease Control
Tips for handling the stress and anxiety associated with dealing with the effects of COVID-19. The CDC also has a comprehensive list
describing the virus and their response.
Art House Convergence
Resources for art houses and cinemas affected by COVID-19. Includes a
worldwide map of art house closures, funding resources and virtual
events, among others.
ArtsReady
Information for arts organizations and nonprofits on maintaining business continuity during and after COVID-19.
CERF+
Resources for out of work artists, including funding resources and
insurance information. Also has area where people can donate to support
CERF+’s cause.
Folk Alliance International
Health and safety, emergency funding and general resources for folk musicians and artists.
Lifetime Arts
COVID-19 resources and support for arts organizations with arts education programming designed for 55+ age groups.
WomenArts
Contains emergency funding links for artists of all disciplines, writers, musicians and visual artists.
Freelance Artists / Small Business Resources
COVID-19 & Freelance Artists Blog
Contains emergency funding, legal, community care, online and advocacy resources for freelance artists.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster resources, including how to apply for disaster loans. Also includes information about the Paycheck Protection Program,
which is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small
businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans
if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money
is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
Funding and Grants
Artist Relief
Artist Relief is awarding $5,000 relief grants to artists who’ve suffered severe financial impacts related to COVID-19.
CARES Act
Information on the federal CARES Act, and how arts groups can apply for
CARES Act grants through the National Endowment for the Arts.
Creative Capital
Resources for artists include national and local grants, online
workshops and a list of virtual arts events. This database also has a
form where visitors can add additional resources.
Emergency grants for writers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Instructions on how to apply for a $1,500 grant for artists whose performances have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.
Virginia Grantwatch
Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible nonprofits to help Virginia
residents who are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Deadline to apply
is April 13. Virginia Grantwatch also has ongoing grants for Virginia nonprofits providing assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Google
2,500+ museums are Accessible through Google Arts & Culture Online Collections
Mid-Atlantic Museums
COVID-19 resources for museums and museum workers, including funding,
technology and mental health resources, as well as job listings.
CARES Act Loans for Non-Profits
Following a request submitted by Governor Northam on March 18, the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA) approved an Economic Injury Disaster
Loan declaration for Virginia. Small businesses and nonprofit
organizations throughout the Commonwealth affected by the COVID-19
public health crisis can now apply for low-interest federal disaster
loans of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll,
accounts payable, and other expenses. To submit a loan application
through the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, please visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Common Field
A variety of resources for nonprofit arts organizations, including
funding and grants, health, technology, teaching tools and more.
Café A national database of open artist calls. Sortable by location, call type, eligibility and entry fee.
Performing Artists
American Association of Community Theatre
Resources for theater organizations and performers affected by COVID-19.
If you are not a member, you will have to register for an account to
view the resources.
Dance/USA
Information for performing artists/arts groups about dealing with
business and insurance related questions due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
League of American Orchestras
A variety of resources for orchestras affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Resources include financial, communications, business continuity,
virtual opportunities and more.
OPERA America
Resources for arts organizations affected by COVID-19, including
employee resources, advocacy organizations, health and data resources
and more.
Virginia Folk Life
Resources for musicians seeking aid during the pandemic.
New York Foundation for the Arts
Disaster resources, emergency grants, financial resources, housing
resources, legal resources and more for artists and arts organizations
affected by COVID-19.
United Way of South Hampton Roads
Information about the United Way’s response to COVID-19, including funding resources and resources for those out of work.
Virginia Tourism
Resources for Virginia businesses, cultural sites and other
tourism-related sites affected by COVID-19. Contains health, financial
and state agency resource information.
Special Deals
Class Central
Class Central offers free online courses from different Ivy League institutions.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum The Guggenheim Museum is offering over 200 downloadable PDFs of a variety of cultural books.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts VLA
serves the artistic community’s need for legal services by providing
access to free or low fee legal services. Qualifying artists can request
legal assistance on all arts-related legal matters.
Visual Artists / Multi-Disciplinary
Women in the Arts and Media Coalition
Resources focused on women in different arts disciplines. Includes information for grants, non-profits, open calls and more.
Women Photograph
Open call for women and nonbinary photographers. Applications are open April 1 and due May 15.
Virginia Beach History Museums Offering Virtual Tours
3/19/2020
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 18, 2020) — While the Virginia Beach History Museums are temporarily closed as a precaution against the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can still take a virtual tour of two of our historic homes.
Join us for an online, 3D “walking tour” of the Francis Land House, and view the furnishings incorporated to interpret the period that Francis Land VI and his wives and daughters were in residence, circa 1805-1819.
After you’re done, head down the online road to one of Virginia Beach’s oldest surviving colonial homes (and a National Historic Landmark), the Thoroughgood House. Our virtual tour takes you through this over 300-year-old Landmark, as well as the beautiful English garden on the grounds. The tour of the Thoroughgood House is accompanied by information relating to each stop on your journey.
We encourage you to share your virtual tour experience with us! Visit Virginia Beach History Museums on social media (@VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on Twitter) and use the hashtag #VirtualHistoryVB to tell us your thoughts about the online tour and ask any questions about our historic homes.
29th Annual Spring Open House- CANCELED
3/17/2020
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Mar. 17, 2020) — Out of an abundance of concern for the health and safety of our community, the 29th Annual Spring Open House at the Francis Land House scheduled for April 4 has been canceled.
The accompanying Native Plant Sale by the South Hampton Roads Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society is also canceled. If you would like to receive updates from the Virginia Beach History Museums, please email vbhistory@vbgov.com, or email the South Hampton Roads Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society at stasulisss@hotmail.com.
The City of Virginia Beach continues to monitor and adjust to changing conditions related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are national, state and local declarations of emergency in place and we are following the guidance from the Virginia Department of Health, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to provide for the safety of our citizens and employees.
Virginia Beach History Museums COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update 3/13/20
3/13/2020
As communities begin to feel the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to ensure you that the health and safety of our guests and staff are the top priorities for the Virginia Beach History Museums. In preparation, the Virginia Beach History Museums will make the following changes:
The Francis Land House is closed until further notice.
The Thoroughgood House will operate under normal conditions through Saturday, March 14, then close until further notice.
The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum is closed when Virginia Beach City Public Schools are closed.
The Lynnhaven House is currently under restoration, and remains closed.
The free lecture “Witch Bottles: Countermagical Devices in Early America” will go on as scheduled at the Lynnhaven House Colonial Education Center tonight, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. As a precaution, Virginia Beach History Museums will provide hand sanitizing stations for guests in attendance.
The City of Virginia Beach continues to monitor conditions related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is following the guidance from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Governor Northam’s Declaration of Emergency. Staff is working with event holders, especially for those scheduled during the next 30 days. The decision to cancel, postpone or modify an event such as a sports tournament, concert, festival, graduation ceremony or business conference is complex, and there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
The City has well-established processes to prepare for and respond to a wide range of emergency situations and is evaluating the current needs and anticipating future issues to mitigate the spread of the virus. We encourage everyone to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for preventing the spread of this virus as well as other illnesses: wash your hands for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer; avoid shaking hands; keep from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; stay home if you are sick; and avoid crowds where and when you can.
It is important to stress that just because something hasn't been modified, cancelled or postponed yet doesn't mean it won't be. This is an evolving situation; the health and safety of our residents and visitors is paramount. Updates will be shared as new information is available. We will communicate any updates via this website, the Virginia Beach History Museums Facebook Page and the City of Virginia Beach Emergency information page.
Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum on Hampton Roads Show
2/7/2020
Before Renaissance Academy, there was Union Kempsville High School, formerly known as Princess Anne County Training School.
It was the first school for African Americans in Princess Anne County.
Thoroughgood House Historic Artifacts Nominated for Statewide Contest
1/14/2020
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Jan. 10, 2020) — Thoroughgood House artifacts connected to British royalty are up for selection as part of the Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Virginia Endangered Artifacts contest.
The pictured set of leather folk art jugs, in the shape of barmaids from 1700s England, is rumored to be a gift from Princess Anne, daughter of King George II, to an innkeeper who may have helped her heal after falling off her horse. The jugs were loaned by the National Trust to the Virginia Beach History Museums’ Thoroughgood House when it opened in 1957. In 2011 the National Trust converted the loan to a gift.
Public voting in the contest is open online from Jan. 13 through Jan. 22, 2020. The two items receiving the most votes will receive awards of $2,000 and $1,000 toward the artifacts’ conservation. Additional awards totaling $5,000 will be awarded by the panel to the remaining eight museums. The award winners and honored museums will be recognized during a legislative reception on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at 6 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond, Virginia following Virginia Museums Advocacy Day at the General Assembly.
ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH’S HISTORY MUSEUMS:
The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Thoroughgood House, the Francis Land House, the Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum. They are part of the City’s Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities.
Visit www.museumsvb.org [museumsvb.org] for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.
Call for Artisans
8/30/2019
The Virginia Beach History Museums are seeking local artisans and crafters to sell their products at a new Christmas Market!
The market will take place December 14, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Thoroughgood House (1636 Parish Road) in conjunction with the annual Christmas Through the Centuries program. This event is free and open to the public.
If you are interested in participating please submit the following information to ldamico@vbgov.com:
Name, email and phone number
What products you would be selling. Please be descriptive!
A photo of your festival or market set up
A link to your website or Facebook page if applicable
All work must be original, handcrafted or created. No mass produced or multi-level marketing vendors will be accepted.
Please note that all vendors will be located outside on grass. 10' by 10' spaces will be allotted with no electric hook up, tables or chairs provided. Set up will be at 8:00 AM and break down will be at 4:00 PM. Vendors are expected to sell their own work. Fee is $35 per space with no additional commissions due to VBHM.
Archiving mass shooting memorial has been an emotional process for Virginia Beach employees
8/16/2019
Archiving mass shooting memorial has been an emotional process for Virginia Beach employees
Anne Miller, Virginia Beach History Museums coordinator, gathers items left in honor of the 12 victims killed in the May 31 mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia Beach, Va. on Monday, July 8, 2019. Flowers and other perishable items will be thrown away but personalized items will be archived and family members will be given the opportunity to keep the items.
Kristen Zeis/Staff
Hundreds of flowers and mementos begin to show wear from over a month of being outdoors at a memorial erected in honor of the 12 victims killed in the May 31 mass shooting at the Municipal Center in Virginia Beach, Va. The items pictured here were photographed on Monday, July 8, 2019.
Amanda Wells, Virginia Beach History Museums curatorial assistant, places items left in memory of shooting victim LaQuita Brown into bags for safe keeping on Monday, July 8, 2019. The items were gathered from a memorial site created in honor of the 12 people killed during the May 31, 2019 mass shooting at the city's Municipal Center.
Inside a small, two-room facility sits a red heart split down the middle and attached to a wooden stick.
“I miss you Mom,” is written on one half of the heart. The other half reads: “Grammy where did you go?”
The heart was originally left at the mass shooting memorial outside Building 11 at the city's municipal complex. It was dedicated to Mary Louise Gayle, one of the 12 victims.
Amanda Wells, a curatorial assistant at the Virginia Beach History Museums, said she’s been stopped in her tracks more than once while sorting the items left for Gayle and the 11 others killed in Building 2on May 31.
“There are these little nuggets that surprise you,” she said, seated in a folding chair in the facility where the objects are being sorted and temporarily stored.
Employees of the Virginia Beach History Museums have been archiving items from the mass shooting memorial for five weeks, meticulously cataloging more than 3,000 mementos paying homage to the 12 victims.
Even after all the items were carefully collected and moved in a van from the memorial, Wells came across details she hadn’t initially noticed.
Wells was working with the city videographer when she first caught sight of the red heart.
“I pointed them out to her, and she kept repeating ‘Where did you go?’ under her breath,” Wells said. “It’s one of those things I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”
Anne Miller, the coordinator of Virginia Beach History Museums, said messages written by young children have affected her the most. She’s seen endearingly misspelled words, arts and crafts projects and even hopeful messages to victims like, “I hope you feel better,” written by children who can’t fully understand the magnitude of what happened in their hometown.
She was choked up the first time she saw that "feel better" note.
“It’s kind of sweet,” she said weeks later while measuring a painting of a flower.
Almost every day, Miller, Wells and a few other History Museums employees and volunteers drive to a leased storage facility to chip away at the arduous task of organizing and documenting the thousands of items left at the memorial.
They first began dismantling it on July 8, and in the weeks since they’ve been committed to keeping the mementos in good shape.
They started with the items that couldn’t be salvaged — wet paintings, moldy stuffed animals, broken shells — and some that had to be weeded out, like the countless assortment of painted rocks.
Then they made sure everything they planned on keeping was clean, going so far as vacuuming individual teddy bears.
Next they searched for gifts left with a specific victim in mind, sorting those into boxes labeled with the 12 names to be saved for each family. Miller and her team uploaded photos of these items onto flash drives for each family, who can claim their box if they wish.
“We really tried to get the most relevant and unique items, the items that related to the person, their personality and their life,” she said.
Miller said that process was even more emotionally taxing than dismantling the entire memorial.
“One of the things we didn’t really look at when we were collecting are the cards and letters,” she said. “There have been some really heartfelt letters and cards from friends and co-workers.”
Wells remembers one in particular: a note from a co-worker of one of the victims expressing regret that they never went back inside Building 2 to check on their friend.
Now the team is working on the rest of the collection by measuring, taking notes and photographing the more general items like signs that say #VBStrong and paintings dedicated to all the victims.
Because the work is emotionally draining, Miller said, she and her team try not to spend more than a few hours each day at the storage facility.
Still, she anticipates they have another two or three months of work ahead. They ultimately hope to put an assortment of items on display for the public to see.
Miller's department typically focuses on public programs and educational events. This work has been unlike anything her office has tackled before.
“We’re not a collecting institution for the most part,” she said. “We acquire items if we need them for an exhibit. This has just been a huge volume of items for us to deal with.”
Virginia Beach begins taking down Municipal Center memorial
7/11/2019
Workers from the Virginia Beach History Museum will slowly re-locate these items to a long-term spot. The goal is to preserve them.Author: StaffPublished: 6:22 AM EDT July 8, 2019Updated: 6:14 PM EDT July 8, 2019
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The City of Virginia Beach is beginning to remove the mass shooting memorial at the Municipal Center.
The memorial has been up since the May 31 shooting took the lives of 12 people inside Building 2.
The items from the memorial were left by people from all over the country as well as here in Hampton Roads.
Anne Miller with the Virginia Beach History Museums is collecting items to take to preserve. Some of the items will go to the victims’s family members. #13NewsNow
Everything except flowers, balloons, vases, baskets and lawn ornaments will be carefully documented. They will also be available for the victims' families or stored for potential future uses.
The City will begin to explore options for a permanent monument or memorial in the coming weeks.
Virginia Beach temporary shooting memorial to be collected, given to victims' families
7/11/2019
Officials with the Virginia Beach History Museums will begin collecting items from the temporary memorial at the Municipal Center.Author: Erin PattersonPublished: 9:28 AM EDT July 2, 2019Updated: 10:26 AM EDT July 2, 2019
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It has been over a month since the deadly shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center where 12 people were killed and 4 were injured.
A temporary memorial was set up in front of the Municipal Center and has been there ever since.
Officials with the Virginia Beach History Museums will begin collecting items on a regular basis from the temporary memorial to ensure the long-term preservation of the contents starting on July 8.
Megan Shinn, 13News Now
Staff will collect both general memorial items and those associated with each victim.
Memorial items will be carefully documented and made available to the victims’ families or stored for potential future uses.
At this time, the city of Virginia Beach is concentrating on healing and collecting from the memorial. The City will begin to explore options for a permanent monument or memorial in the coming weeks.
Museum staff will not collect flowers, real or artificial, vases, baskets, lawn ornaments, balloons, or wet or moldy items (unless customized/exceptional).
Anyone with questions should email News@VBGov.com or call 757-385-4679.
