Illuminate the Arts plans to send $1,000 checks to 590 Philadelphia artists, many of them from underserved communities, to help them weather the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, 55 small and medium-sized art organizations are receiving a portion of funding-ranging from US$2,800 to US$10,000-through Funding plan. A total of more than 1 million US dollars in prize money.

This Grant It aims to support artists and art organizations that stand out from most other art initiatives. Funding came from the city’s 25 million U.S. dollars “The New Normal” Emergency pandemic recovery budget.

“Investing in artists, small businesses, and non-profit organizations, many of whom represent the diverse backgrounds of all Philadelphians, is critical to our recovery from COVID-19,” City Councilman Catherine Gilmore Richardson and City Councilman Isaiah Thomas took the lead in this work together, Tell why.

The program focuses on diverse and underrepresented artists and art organizations, targeting artists in the 24 postal codes with the highest poverty rates.

Lauren Rinaldi, oil painter and mixed media expert, was one of the winners. She said that the $1,000 grant will help her start her next project.

Funded organizations include Aftershock family, Non-profit organizations Record companies that help artists “grow their passion and influence the world”. The organization was established in June 2020 and has provided opportunities for more than 120 music producers and 50 visual artists. It received US$6,800.

Another recipient, Planet Ninth, To create opportunities for people of color, women, queer and transgender people in Philadelphia to produce, perform, and produce community-driven performances. The organization also received US$6,800.

“We are truly focused on supporting and living in the black and brown communities of artists and art organizations,” Kelly Lee, executive director of the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, told WHYY. “These are the communities most affected by COVID.”

The plan was created by the city council earlier this year.Provision of regulations The Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy provided $1.3 million in funding for Illuminate the Arts.

More than $1 million was used for grants. The remaining US$300,000 is earmarked for funding arts and cultural organizations that cancel performances or events due to the pandemic. It also includes $50,000 to fund an employee to manage the funds.