Craven Artist Relief Fund supporting victims of Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene and its effect on western North Carolina, Craven Arts Council and Gallery is announcing its contribution of half of their current Craven Artist Relief Fund to the North Carolina Arts Foundation’s NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund, to help support artists and arts organizations affected by the natural disaster. In addition, Craven Arts Council will donate half of all contributions made to their Craven Artist Relief Fund made between October 1th and December 13th, 2024.

The Craven Artist Relief Fund was created in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and the destruction it caused in eastern North Carolina. The goal of this fund is to help artists reestablish their lives, and their artistic practice, following the wake of a natural disaster. Initial funding for this program came from the 2019 exhibition Safe from the Storm: Memories of Florence, featuring artwork, poetry, and writing about the storm and its affects. The fund continues to grow and be supported by generous donations by the public. Currently the fund stands at roughly $1000, with $500 earmarked for donation to the NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund. “Our community is all too aware of the devastating effect a natural disaster like this can have on a community, and especially the vital arts sector. As western North Carolina seeks to rebuild, we hope our contribution can help reestablish and provide support for our colleagues and friends in the arts, and we hope our community will join us” says Jonathan Burger, Executive Director of Craven Arts Council & Gallery. Donations to the Craven Artist Relief Fund may be made at Bank of the Arts (317 Middle St), by phone (252-638-2577), or online (www.cravenarts.org/craven-artist-relief-fund).

The NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund was created to support artists and arts organizations affected by natural and other disasters. Arts North Carolina will be working with government agencies and other nonprofits to assess the impact on artists and arts organizations and to help provide relief and recovery in the weeks and months ahead. The grant application and disbursement process is currently being designed. Please visit ncartsfoundation.org to contribute directly to the fund and learn more about the program.