Nightlife remains among the hardest hit markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, a group of advocates have teamed up to raise funds for New York City cultural spaces under the name NYC Nightlife United.
The charity is the brainchild of collectives AdHoc and Friends And Lovers as well as nonprofit organization The Solo Foundation and PR firm Grandstand Media. Its founders hope to provide owners of shuttered venues up to $20,000 in grant funding, with up to $5,000 for artists who can prove that they’ve lost gigging income to the coronavirus.
“No one can deny that nightlife is culture,” Diana Mora of Friends and Lovers said in a quote obtained by Rolling Stone. “This forum for self-expression influences art, music, fashion and brands. If you think about music especially, it is the most powerful passion point. It’s the original social network, transcending every barrier— socioeconomic, distance and language. That’s why protecting this rare resource that defines the spirit of NY is so important.”
“Businesses in live music need immediate aid and face challenges unique to our industry, but there were no relief programs made just for us,” added Ric Leichtung of AdHoc. “We’re fiercely independent people who tap into our community to make the changes we want to see happen. When there’s no road paved for us, we make the concrete.”
Donations to NYC Nightlife United can be made here. As of June 5th, venue owners and artists will be able to apply for grants here.
