The pandemic has been devastating for the local arts community. Nonprofit Sierra Arts Foundation has set up a relief fund to help local artists who are struggling right now.
"We're getting close to 100 people, with checks that we've issued," said Tracey Oliver with Sierra Arts Foundation. "And we're hoping to continue this fund for the foreseeable future. There's nothing else like it in Washoe County, in Northern Nevada, to help out the artists."
There's a new way to donate; it's a murder mystery you can buy on their website.
"It's a murder mystery on our website called 'Who Killed the Queen of the Reno Art Scene,'" Oliver said. "It's an interactive game you can play with your friends in a group. It's a way to promote small social gathering and connectiveness using the arts, and funding that artists relief fund."
The Sierra Arts Gallery has been closed since mid-March, but the hope is to have the doors open by the second or third week of June. Artists who have had to modify their craft are looking forward to having that interpersonal connection again.
"This community is heartfelt; it runs on soul," Oliver said. "The art and culture community is always the first to step up and help. What I have learned is we all need to be prepared, and I think the arts agencies and individual artists have buckled down, and we have created paths forward for ourselves."
The Washoe County Artist Relief Fund will continue to support artists, who will continue to support other local businesses.
"We have a lot of artists who give back," Oliver said. "They receive a check from us and they let us know they supported a local business, it does stay right here in the community."
For more information, visit: https://sierraarts.org/
