VANS established the Artist Emergency Fund (AEF) to assist artists in financial need arising from severe illness, an accident resulting in inability to work or help with studio replacement in case of a disaster, such as fire, where there is no insurance.  Member artists are able to apply for short-term assistance, up to $500/month for three months maximum.

During the COVID-19 crisis, members who were deemed ineligible for government financial assistance (such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit) were considered. If you need resources to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, please see the Government of Canada website.

Please see guidelines below for more information and eligibility requirements. You can donate to the Artist Emergency Fund here.

Guidelines

An emergency is defined as financial need arising from:

• severe illness
• accident resulting in inability to work
• help with studio replacement in case of a disaster, such as fire, where there is no insurance
• a crisis, not a chronic condition

An eligible visual artist is defined as person who meets the following criteria:

• a practicing visual artist as defined by the Canada Council for the Arts’ definition of a professional artist: has specialized training in the field (not necessarily in academic institutions); is recognized as such by their peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition); is committed to devoting more time to artistic activity, if financially feasible; has a history of public presentation
• resident of Nova Scotia (for a minimum of 1 year)
• current VANS member (for a minimum of 1 year)

Advisory Committee:

An advisory committee of four appointed by the VANS Board of Directors; a Board member of VANS, Executive Director, VANS member at large (practicing artist) and a member of the larger professional arts community with knowledge of the provincial art scene.

• a three year term
• a quorum of three members
• proxy vote in case a committee member is absent
• committee member identities are kept confidential and anonymous

Administration of the Fund:

• by VANS Board of Directors
• invested in the VANS Business Account – separated on the income statement
• limit of $500 per month per applicant (maximum period of assistance is three months)
• an artist may re‐apply, but not for the same emergency
• VANS will notify the candidate, whether they are successful or not
• money is made payable only to the successful candidate
• VANS AEF funds are not required to be repaid

Please download and complete the VANS Artist Emergency Fund Application Form and return it by email along with a complete CV of professional activities, link to website (if available) and a letter of confirmation of emergency (signed by an appropriate professional e.g. medical doctor, insurance adjuster, etc.) to director@visualarts.ns.ca and communicate@visualarts.ns.ca.