artist resources
We are all going through some difficult times. What can make things even more difficult is the uncertainty of when things will get back to something approximately “normal.” If you are alone, that may even compound the situation.
We can’t promise any cures, but what we can offer are some pieces of information and resources that might be helpful to you relating to finances, mental health, finding supplies, and creating an online presence. Besides these links, we want to remind you to do whatever you can to stay active while practicing safe distancing.
Where possible engage with others in physical, safe environments or virtually. We have seen virtual dinners online; zoom parties; hugging lessons and more. Open yourself up to these. Laugh, Read, Stay Active. We are selfish; we want you to continue to enjoy the visual and performing arts that will return to Fishers.
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Check back with us periodically as the Resource Page will be updated as we get new information. Also, check out our posts on Facebook.
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financial
Below are some links relating to finances that we researched and some that came from a teleconference with Mayor Fadness. Note that if you are selling your art you are considered a small business, which means you can apply for Small Business loans during this period, which can help with costs for items beyond payroll expenses.
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Insurance for Artists, Crafters, Handmade Jewelers, Sculptors, Clothing Vendors, Potters, Art & Craft Show Vendors, and more. Get artists & crafters short term vendor insurance for shows or an annual policy for year round coverage.
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Musicians and entertainers can obtain 3 day insurance coverage for events from this site:
https://www.insurancecanopy.com/policy/buy#!/step-1
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This is a valuable website created by the National Endowment for the Arts which has a massive listing of links of information and financial assistance for artists and arts organizations during COVID-19:
https://www.arts.gov/covid-19-resources-for-artists-and-arts-organizations
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Unemployment information for the Self-Employed, provided by the Indiana Arts Commission:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/INARTS/bulletins/2849f1c
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Here is a link from the Tax Foundation to help further explain the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the CARES Act:
https://taxfoundation.org/sba-paycheck-protection-program-cares-act/
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Here is a link that may help you find a list of lenders: https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find
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Here is a link to the treasury department that gives you an overview of PPP:
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses
Here is a link that gives you a sample application:
https://content.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-Fillable.pdf
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Check out the Indiana Arts Commission website for artist resources during COVID-19 and check out their free webinars for lots of guidance and financial information for artists:
https://www.in.gov/arts/3263.htm
Scroll down that page to Artist Resources
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Finally, if you need to reach out for some economic assistance:
Megan Baumgartner is the Director of Economic Development for Fishers. You can reach Megan at baumgartnerm@fishers.in.us or (317) 595-3232.
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EMOTIONAL
There is no shame in needing help; sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Fishers Arts Council is here for you if you need someone to listen, but we are not trained professionals. Below are some links relating to mental health and outreach.
Fishers Cares is a volunteer community effort supporting the City of Fishers’ Mental Health Initiative. The website now allows individuals to schedule an appointment with a care giver to receive mental health support.
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HSE Schools has made a self-care action plan worksheet available. You can download it here.
Prevail is a 24-hour crisis hotline for those trapped in domestic violence situations.
That number is (317) 776-3472.
If you're a student of IUPUI and need emotional or psychological support, IUPUI Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) remains available to you. Call (317) 274-2548 to speak with a CAPS staff member during regular business hours, from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email capsindy [at] iupui.edu.
The Crisis and Suicide Hotline is available at (317) 251-7575 or text 741741 from anywhere to talk with a crisis counselor.
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The Trevor Project has a 24/7 National Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth under 25 at (866) 488-7386. You can find other ways to connect at thetrevorproject.org.
Finally, if you want information regarding Indiana and it’s COVID-19 information, check out these links: coronavirus.in.gov, Ball State University's Resource page, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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art supplies
Here are some sources if you are looking for art supplies to pick up or to go on-line. Please note that some supplies are difficult to get to physical stores due to demand and work restrictions due to COVID-19.
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michaels.com
Open for curbside service (most stores get restocked one time per week)
Michael's online support suggests ordering online and shipping to your home
joann.com
Open for curbside service
Find all your art supply needs in one place, including the best selection of paint and drawing supplies, canvas, brushes, frames, easels, and more!
Your Art Matters To Us! Reliability, Better Art Supplies, Great Prices, Exceptional Service! Trusted For Over 50 Years
A History in Fine Art Materials and Supplies Since 1949
amazon.com/painting-drawing-art-supplies
Online Amazon Store
hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/c/8
Online Hobby Lobby Store
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Cheap Joe's Art Stuff - Make more art, spend less money
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online presence
Here are some sources if you are looking at creating or improving an online presence. Fishers Arts Council does not promote any site over another. Our goal is simply to provide you with possible links where you can go and assess for yourself the worth of the information. With the exception of the first item, we are providing a one- or two-line tag about the site.
At EmptyEasel we publish helpful art tutorials for both new and professional artists—without any of the vague or confusing "artspeak" common to the art world. 
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As an artist, it can be intimidating to see a world full of opportunity, yet not know how to navigate through it to reach potential clients.
With each new year, social media changes the way that we interact with one another, making us even more connected to the people and interests we love most. But finding your place in a world full of endless chatter seems impossible. Here are 10 social media tips to reinvigorate your strategy as an artist online.
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Six essential steps to building an effective online presence.
artbusiness.com/weberrors.html
Successful Art and Artist Websites, Do’s and Don’ts, How to Build a Website that Works.
Are you an independent professional seeking ways to make your mark online? Let us know, we are happy to help! We create beautiful websites, we create impactful emails, we “get” social.
Any artist struggling to gain visibility in a crowded market has at some time probably questioned, "How do I make time to post on social media?" The need for having a dedicated online presence has impacted artists on social media at some point as they’ve sought new ways to build an audience and seek out new forms of engaging with an existing client base.
try.faso.com/get-faso-p/
FASO promotes your art and workshops in seven powerful ways.
www.agora-gallery.com/artistinfo/Social-Media-Marketing-Services.aspx
6 things you can do to promote your art. As a working artist it is not enough to produce art. You need to promote it as extensively too.