Emergency Artist Relief

Serving the Calgary region since 2007, Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) exists to support independent artists in times of otherwise unsupported hardship.

The Emergency Artist Relief program does just that. Eligible individuals must reside in or around the city and demonstrate an urgent need for support due to an unforeseen health crisis or catastrophic event that prevents them from continued pursuit of their creative practice.

EAR’s Emergency Artist Relief funding is a last resort resource intended to provide for costs up to a maximum of $2,500. Applicants cannot exceed this request amount within a 365-day timeframe. Where existing agencies can instead provide for their needs, the Society will draw awareness to these services, or potential applicants can review lists of these organizations here.

EAR refers to Calgary Arts Development when defining a professional artist: The artist must be actively pursuing a cultural career and has invested in the development of their artistic skills, voice, and goals. Professional artists may have formal training, have a history of sharing their work publicly, have been compensated for their work, and have a relationship with their creative community and peers.

An applicant can request up to a maximum of twenty-five hundred dollars in a twelve-month period. Submissions must include documentation such as invoices and quotes to demonstrate their stated needs.

The crisis must seriously impact the artist’s ability to proceed with their practice. A creative professional is defined by the following:

  • has specialized training in their field (not necessarily in academic institutions);
  • is recognized as a professional by their peers (working in the same artistic discipline);
  • has a history of public presentation and;
  • is committed to devoting more time to artistic activity.

Complete application online:

EAR Emergency Relief Fund Application Form

Personal Information

Are you currently or have you ever been an EAR member?

Explanation of Situation/Emergency and Need

Maximum file size: 5MB

($2,500 maximum)
Is this your first application for funding from EAR?

Employment and Income

Monthly Income from All Sources (including Grants)

Monthly Expenses

(include home and personal care – cleaning supplies, soap/shampoo)
(car/gas/bus pass/etc.)
(car/gas/bus pass/etc.)
(car/gas/bus pass/etc.)

References

Please list at least ONE reference who knows about your current situation.

Please list at least ONE professional reference who can verify your status as an arts professional.

  1. Artist’s CV/Resume and up to 5 images
  2. Professional artist statement
  3. 2 months of bank statements (to confirm income and expenses)
  4. 2 months of utility bills (to confirm residence, arrears and expenses)
  5. 2 months of phone & internet bills (to confirm arrears and expenses)
  6. Proof of Rent or Mortgage
  7. Copy of Photo ID (to confirm identification)
  8. Resume (employment resume) and employment status

Maximum file size: 5MB

Please follow the guidelines for support documentation as outlined in the EAR Rebound Fund GUIDELINES for your specific discipline. NOTE that this information will be used only to establish your status as a professional artist working in the Calgary community; it will not reflect on our assessment of your personal situation and need for emergency assistance.

Alternative Contact Is there someone we may contact on your behalf if we are unable to reach you?

Statement of Truthfulness

Email your application:

If you are unable to complete this application online, please download and email your application, along with supporting documents, to admin@elephantartistrelief.com.