Artists Fund at the Festival of Arts

The Artists Fund at the Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization based in Laguna Beach, California, dedicated to providing financial support and resources for artists facing hardships. Established in response to the financial difficulties encountered by artists within the Festival of Arts community, the organization aims to assist artists experiencing medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other debilitating circumstances.

History

The Artists Fund was founded in 1999 by a group of Festival artists led by Anne England. This initiative emerged after a fellow artist faced significant medical challenges, prompting the community to rally support. The artists collectively decided to create an ongoing fund to provide financial assistance to those in need. Since its inception, the fund has been utilized to aid numerous artists who have encountered unexpected hardships.

Services and Initiatives

The Artists Fund engages in various activities to support artists, including:

• Hardship Grants: Financial assistance for artists dealing with emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

• Enrichment Grants: Funding aimed at helping artists pursue professional development opportunities.

• Counseling and Mentoring: Support services designed to guide artists through their careers and personal challenges.

• Scholarships and Personal Assistance Programs: Initiatives to help artists build resilience against future hardships.

In addition to providing financial aid, the organization conducts fundraising events, such as the Art-To-Go exhibit during the summer months at the Festival of Arts. This event features artwork donated by Festival exhibitors, with proceeds supporting the Artists Fund.

Impact

Over the years, the Artists Fund has significantly contributed to the well-being of many artists within the Festival of Arts community. Its various programs not only offer financial relief but also foster a sense of community and support among artists, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of creative individuals.

As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Artists Fund continues to serve an essential role in ensuring that artists have access to the support they need during difficult times, helping to sustain the vibrant arts community in Laguna Beach and beyond.

[1] https://www.foapom.com/summer-art-show/exhibitions/art-to-go/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/273300715 [3] https://www.foapom.com/about/grants-scholarships/grants/ [4] https://theartistsfund-foa.org [5] https://lagunabeacharts.org/organizations/festival-of-arts-artist-fund/