Our thoughts are with all of those that were in the path of Hurricane Helene. Explore Georgia has activated a Travel Alert web page with information and resources for residents and travelers during Hurricane Helene.
We also want to pass along some resources specifically for artists and arts organizations in case you face an emergency situation in the coming days. The organizations listed below are available to provide emergency resources to artists and arts organizations.
Resources for Individual Artists
CERF+ The Artists Safety Net : CERF+ serves artists who work in craft disciplines by providing a safety net to support strong and sustainable careers.
MusiCares Foundation: MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in time of crisis.
Jazz Foundation’s Musicians Emergency Fund: The fund provides housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief, and direct financial support in times of crisis.
Resources for Arts Organizations
NCAPER, Americans for the Arts, and the Alliance of Artist Communities offer numerous resources for emergency planning and response.
Salvage and Preservation
Many physical objects including papers, photographs, textiles, art supplies, and others may be salvageable even if damaged, particularly by water. It’s also important to use caution when entering flooded and damaged buildings and areas. Here are resources to assist:
24/7 Collections Emergency Hotline – 1-855-245-8303
NEDCC staff members are available 24/7 to provide telephone advice to institutions and individuals handling collection-related disasters. Information provided includes advice on drying wet collections and dealing with damage from fire, pests, and mold. This service does not include on-site assistance.
National Heritage Responders – 1-202-661-8068
The American Institute for Conservation’s National Heritage Responders (NHR) is a highly skilled team of conservators and other collections care professionals with expertise in emergency response. NHR members are available to provide advice to individuals as well as advice and on-site response to institutions. Email the team at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org. All assistance provided by the NHR is free.
FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution co-sponsor the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a partnership of 62 national service organizations and federal agencies created to protect cultural heritage. For guidance on salvaging water-damaged documents and cherished belongings, visit Save Your Family Treasures.