we value our artists

past, present & future

 
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What is the Bare Opera Artist Relief Fund?

Performing artists are negatively impacted during emergencies like COVID-19. Contracts are canceled without pay. No protections are in place should an artist get sick. If they cannot work, they cannot make money, and they cannot live. We all deeply value the arts - in particular opera - and at Bare Opera we have launched a new benefit for our artists, past and present: The Bare Opera Artist Relief Fund. We have launched a specific fundraising effort that goes directly to supporting our artists facing financial hardship due to the current pandemic.

Bare Opera is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Donations are 100% tax deductible.

Why now?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light many issues performing artists, who are often independent contractors, face when performances are canceled, theaters close, travel is restricted, and illness keeps them from working. Bare Opera wants to set an example for the opera community at large, driving home the message that artists are at the center of keeping alive this art form we cherish. And we won’t stop there.

What about future disasters?

This Artist Relief Fund is now a permanent benefit we offer to our artists and it will continue to grow as a layer of protection we offer during a force majeure.

How does it work?

Bare Opera’s Board of Directors will accept submissions from Bare Opera artists, past and present, who have suffered financially at the hand of the current COVID-19 crisis. In the event of future crises, all submissions requesting support for canceling contracts will be made in the same manner.

Any opera or performing contract that has been severed and unpaid due to the COVID-19 outbreak is eligible through our relief fund fundraising efforts for up to 75% reimbursement.

Artists should email hello@bareopera.org the following information:

  1. E-mail Subject Line: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME: Artist Relief Fund Application

  2. Copy of original contract with intended fee clearly stated

  3. Main contact name, email and phone number from company that severed the contract

  4. Letter from company evidencing cancellation of contract

  5. Letter to Bare Opera explaining the hardship this loss has caused