COVID-19 Music + Nightlife Updates + Resources

Last Updated 02/03/2021

As the Music and Nightlife industries are particularly challenged by the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, the Office of Film + Music is sharing resources that may be helpful to individuals and businesses working in these industries. We will update this page as additional resources are made available.

Music & Nightlife

MusiCares Relief Fund
Music industry professionals may apply for grants up to $1,000 to compensate for cancelled work that was scheduled and lost - apply for assistance, donate, or learn more

Live Nation Relief for Live Music Crew Members
Live Nation has committed $10 million to COVID-19 relief for crew workers in the music industry - apply or donate here

Advertise at No Cost on Northwest Music Scene
Free ad placements to artists on northwestmusicscene.net - learn more

Musicians' Association of Seattle Emergency Relief Fund
Funding available to Local 76-493 members - learn more

SoundCloud Promotional Support and Monetizing Opportunities
SoundCloud unveiled "over $15M in direct investment to support creators on SoundCloud", including direct fan-support options, and opportunities to receive free supports like marketing and distribution services - read more and apply here

Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
A fund for US-based BIPOC artists and administrators - apply here

Resources for Artists and Organizations Amid COVID-19 (Seattle Office of Arts & Culture)
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture staff have compiled a resource guide to assist and support the creative and cultural community - learn more

WA Nightlife and Music Association
Launched in response to COVID-19, WA Nightlife and Music Association (WANAMA) is a coalition of nightlife and live music venues working to access resources and relief for nightlife businesses. Learn more here.

NIVA Emergency Relief Fund
Whilethe initial round of funding has closed, NIVA continues to raise funds fortheir ERF in anticipation that venues will still need funding after the SVOG
funds have been depleted.  Click here for information on the fund and opportunity to donate.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grants
Originally known as the Save Our Stages Act, this is a $15 billion dollar fund dedicated to live performance venues.  Administered by the SBA, the application process will launch shortly.  Check the SBA website for eligibility requirements and updates.

Moratorium on Evictions of Small Businesses and Nonprofits
On March 17, Mayor Durkan signed an emergency order to put into place a temporary moratorium on evictions of small businesses and nonprofits, which will help keep Seattle organizations from losing their livelihood as a result of impacts from the pandemic. Click here to learn more.

Utility Payment Relief
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light (SCL) will keep utility services on during the COVID-19 Civil Emergency. This will provide immediate utility relief for customers, both residential and commercial, financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Effective immediately, all SPU and SCL customers can set up deferred payment plans if their financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19. Utility service will stay on as their deferred payment plans are developed and implemented. Customers financially impacted by COVID 19 are urged to set up payment plans with either Seattle City Light or Seattle Public Utilities by calling (206) 684-3000 or sending an email 24/7 here.

B&O Tax Deferment
Small business owners with an annual taxable income of $5 million or less can defer on their quarterly B&O tax payments to preserve cash on hand and ease the financial burden caused by COVID-19. If you have questions about this source of tax relief during the epidemic, please call (206) 684-8484 or email: tax@seattle.gov

WA State Small Business Grants
The Commerce Department is offering grants up to $10,000 to small businesses in WA. Learn more and apply here.

Another Round, Another Rally
Another Round, Another Rally is a $500 small grant relief for hospitality workers (chefs, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, sommeliers, managers) who lost their jobs or had their hours reduced by COVID-19.

Seattle Hospitality Fund and Wellspring Family Services
Funds for hospitality workers and provide direct support in rent, utilities, gift cards (groceries, gas, home supplied), health insurance/COBRA payments, and medicine. This fund is especially aimed to prioritize support to those not eligible for unemployment insurance, and those who are from marginalized, vulnerable groups. More info here.

Moratorium on Residential Evictions:
On March 14, Mayor Durkan signed an emergency order to implement a temporary moratorium on residential evictions, which will keep Seattle families from losing their homes as a result of impacts from the pandemic. Click here to learn more.

Utility Payment Relief
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light (SCL) will keep utility services on during the COVID-19 Civil Emergency. This will provide immediate utility relief for customers, both residential and commercial, financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Effective immediately, all SPU and SCL customers can set up deferred payment plans if their financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19. Utility service will stay on as their deferred payment plans are developed and implemented. Customers financially impacted by COVID 19 are urged to set up payment plans with either Seattle City Light or Seattle Public Utilities by calling (206) 684-3000 or sending an email 24/7 here.

Paid Sick & Safe Time Ordinance:
Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance provides all employees who work in Seattle with paid sick and safe time. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary, exempt, and non-exempt employees. Employees can use accrued paid sick leave if family member's school or place of care is closed. Please call the Seattle Office of Labor Standards at (206) 256-5297 or visit the Office of Labor Standards PSST COVID-19 Q&A here.

Food Assistance
The City of Seattle is providing $5 million in grocery vouchers to help families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new grocery voucher program will provide 6,250 families $800 in vouchers to purchase food, cleaning supplies, and other household goods at any Safeway store in Washington State. The funds will be distributed to 6,250 eligible families who are currently enrolled in City-supported child care programs and food assistance programs. To learn more, click here.

Resources for musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic (DIY Musician/CD Baby blog)
Live-streaming tips, fan engagement, free apps, etc. - learn more

How to Live Stream a Performance (InSync/Sweetwater blog)
Short article with technical tips - read the blog

7 Ways to Stay Connected with Your Fans During Covid-19 (SoundCloud blog)
Tips for engaging with your audience - read the blog

Guide to Remote Music Education (by Christopher Bill)
For music educators and teaching artists who are looking for remote music education software, apps, and tips - view the guide

A Guide for Financial Survival During the COVID Crisis (thecreativeindependent.com)
Tips for making financial decisions and stretching your money while living through a global pandemic and economic downturn, by financial planner Lewis Weil with illustrations by Qiong Li - view the guide

Seattle Independent Artist Sustainability Effort
Independent artists, collectives, and venues are invited to report economic impacts, access resources, and learn about advocacy opportunities - learn more

Need or Give - SEATTLE - #FabricOfCare
Volunteer-run effort to create an inventory of needs and gifts, then match resources to those who need them - offer or request resources here

Musicians Contact Form
A Seattle-based resource/directory for session musicians, recording artists, composers and producers, to enable continued collaboration and organize in anticipation of financial opportunities - join the directory

Film and Music

Markham McIntyre, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5752, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94708, Seattle, WA, 98124-4708
Phone: (206) 684-8993
filmoffice@seattle.gov

The Office of Film and Music is devoted to promoting Seattle's film and music industries. The Seattle Film and Music Office is a streamlined resource for all of your film and music needs.