MusiCares Launches COVID-19 Relief Fund
• The Recording Academy® and its charitable foundation MusiCares® have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help folks in the music industry who have been affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events. From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events, and the creative community behind it all.
Administered through MusiCares, the COVID-19 Fund will be used to directly support those in the music community with the greatest need. To establish the fund, both the Recording Academy and MusiCares have contributed an initial donation of $1 million each, totaling $2 million. Additionally, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. Further updates and announcements will be made in the coming days.
Harvey Mason, Jr., Chair and Interim CEO of the Recording Academy, commented, “Event cancellations are at unprecedented levels and the situation therefore requires an unprecedented response. Many people in the industry are now in crisis, not knowing what the future holds or having to deal with dire commercial realities. We are asking the entire industry to stand with us to support the musicians, artists and professionals who are the bedrock and the future of our music community.” He added, “It’s in times like these that many of us turn to music. Music can help us cope, and has the power to bring us together during a time when many of us might feel isolated. We encourage people everywhere to embrace the music industry which needs our help in these uncertain times.”
If you wish to support the Recording Academy’s efforts to assist music people in need, please visit: grammy.com/MusiCares/CoronavirusReliefFund. If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, please visit musicares.org.
