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Arts Resource Guide to COVID-19

As the state's proponent for local artists, arts projects, and arts organizations and their impact in our communities, we are here to support you and help you navigate the developing situation. We will continue to update this page on a regular basis as more information is made available.

We know you are combating new and different challenges daily. We know you have questions. And we are committed to help you meet your challenges and answer your questions. Have a question? Let us know. We’re here to help.

Financial Resources

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. Borrowers may be eligible for loan forgiveness. Click here to learn more.

Several documents have been updated on the SVOG website, but certain sections still state that you cannot apply for a PPP and an SVOG. That information is incorrect and will eventually be updated online. The SVOG new FAQs do make it clear that you can now apply for both a PPP and SVOG. However, please note the additional twist in question #5 on page 2 of the FAQs that you cannot apply for a PPP after receiving an SVOG. You will also see in question #17 on page 14 that the SBA has clarified that audits will NOT be required for the great majority of SVOG applicants.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced that Indiana will end its participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment insurance programs effective June 19, 2021.

The programs that will end are:

  • Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides a $300 weekly add-on to recipients of unemployment insurance
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides recipients extended benefits after their traditional 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits have been exhausted
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides benefits to individuals who do not normally qualify for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed, gig workers, and independent contractors
  • Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides a $100 additional weekly benefit for individuals who are eligible for regular unemployment benefits but also earned at least $5,000 in self-employment income

Click here to read the entire press release regarding this announcement.


Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a temporary federal unemployment insurance program for individuals not otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, including the self-employed, those seeking part-time employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history (i.e. they do not have sufficient wages to establish a regular UI claim), and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular UI.

PUA is not payable to individuals who can telework with pay or who are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits.

Under the Continued Assistance Act, you must submit proof of employment to be eligible for payments of PUA made after Dec. 27, 2020. This applies regardless of the week being paid. For example, if you are being paid on January 10, 2021, for a week of PUA in late November, you will be required to submit proof of employment.

Click here to file for unemployment.

Applications are now being accepted for the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program. A link to apply along with a series of informational documents in English and Spanish can be found on the top banner of this webpage.

Renters living in Elkhart, Hamilton, Lake, Marion, and St. Joseph counties, along with the City of Fort Wayne are not eligible to apply for the IERA program. These municipalities have their own programs.

Relief for homeowners can be found here.

In April 2021, Indiana announced an expansion of the Indiana Small Business Restart Grant to help accelerate economic recovery activity by supporting Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses. The program provides working capital to eligible companies by reimbursing certain expenses incurred during and related to the global pandemic.

Small businesses that meet the eligibility requirements can apply for reimbursement for qualified business expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for this opportunity.

Click here to learn more.

Taking a 30,000 Person Festival Virtual

Coronavirus required arts organizations to pivot – fast. Learn how Arts United turned their 30,000 person outdoor festival into an online celebration.
Read more.

Reopening guidelines for independent contractors

Looking for guidance on how to safely practice during COVID-19? Check out these four tips assembled by arts professionals for arts professionals.

Read more.

Grow, invest, and gather through the arts.

The Arts Midwest GIG (Grow, Invest, Gather) Fund is designed to provide support to Midwestern arts and culture organizations as they re-build and re-imagine during the continued uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

Click here to learn more.