Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is Here for You

For 30 years, the Volunteers Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts has been here for the arts and cultural community when it has needed us most. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we have assembled an emergency response panel of large law firms ready and willing to advise artists and arts organizations on contracts, insurance, and labor and employment issues that are particularly relevant and concerning during this unprecedented time.

The VLA is also waiving our service fees for artists and organizations suffering financial hardship due to the coronavirus. While our physical office is closed for now, we are still answering calls (617.350.7600) and emails (vla@artsandbusinesscouncil.org).

As an additional service to our constituents, here's a roundup of new and helpful resources for artists needing support:

Local

VLA's article about covid-19 and "force majeure" clauses
City of Boston's Artist Relief Fund
Massachusetts Dept. of Unemployment Assistance's Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus
Massachusetts Health Connector is extending the enrollment period for uninsured individuals until April 25.
Agency Checklist's article discussing limitations on Business Interruption Insurance
Unlike the IRS, the Commonwealth has not extended the income tax filing deadline. However, they do provide guidance on how taxpayers may seek extensions on a case-by-case basis.
Our partners at MWI are offering 501c3 nonprofits and charities one online mediation session at no charge through the end of June 2020. Contact us for more information!
Massachusetts's general Coronavirus Information page.

National

Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Assistance Program
CERF+'s Emergency Relief Grant for Artists. Please note this grant is currently only available for artists currently infected with the coronavirus and needing intensive medical care.
U.S. Dept. of Labor's Guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act: Requirements for Employers, Rights of Employees, FAQs
Our partners at Cleary Insurance have also prepared a helpful summary of the tax credits available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
The IRS has extended the federal income tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020! For more info, visit the IRS's coronavirus response page.
The U.S. Dept. of Education has waived interest on all federally held student loans. Additionally, students may be eligible to place their loans in administrative forbearance. For more information, visit the Dept. of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid coronavirus page.
Learn how to guard yourself against COVID-19-related cyberattacks (Evolve MGA).
The National Endowment for the Arts's National Resource Roundup
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources

The VLA will be updating this list weekly as more resources become available.

CONTACT THE VLA

The Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts is a program of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.

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