Updated May 20, 2020.
Since the onset of COVID-19, government agencies, arts organizations, and artists worldwide have stepped up to provide resources that help with the recent changes to our way of life. Though this outpouring of creative action is inspiring and reassuring, we know that the buildup of information can be overwhelming and may make it difficult to find what you need. To keep your searching to a minimum, we’ll regularly update this list of helpful links for arts lovers and artists alike.
Arts and Entertainment
Western Piedmont Symphony Watch Parties: Three educational, virtual events that cover a variety of classical music-related topics (5/22, 6/12, and 6/26 at 7:30 p.m.) Registration is required, no purchase necessary.
Virtual Classes from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Professional development opportunities, homework help, and endlessly entertaining diversions – all virtual and free of charge. No library card needed!
BMC Online: The Brevard Music Center recently introduced BMC Online, a hub for online content including virtual performances from students and faculty, archived BMC Summer Festival performances, and special messages from Artistic Director Keith Lockhart.
The Shows Must Go On!: Every Friday, this YouTube channel will broadcast one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic Broadway musicals at no charge. The musical of the week will be available to watch for 48 hours after the initial broadcast.
#CSOAtHome: The Charlotte Symphony has created a resource hub for classical music fans missing live performances, including streaming audio of past CSO performances, listening guides, educational materials, and more. WDAV’s Charlotte Symphony in Performance series broadcasts complete CSO concert recordings every Friday at 8 p.m.
Arts & Science Council: Free Virtual Experiences
A daily, curated list of virtual experiences from artists, scientists, historians and organizations local to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. You’ll find educational experiences for kids, concerts, workout classes, visits with zoo animals, and more – all at no cost.
North Carolina Arts Council: Arts Engagement at Home
An ongoing list of ways to explore North Carolina’s arts culture virtually.
Music Everywhere Charlotte: Music Anywhere
A virtual concert series consisting of live streams from Charlotte-area musicians, bands, and venues.
WDAV Blog:
WDAV Blog:
NPR: A List Of Live Virtual Concerts To Watch During The Coronavirus Shutdown. A comprehensive, regularly updated, day-by-day listing of live virtual concerts divided by genre.
StayAtHomeFest: An online music festival and events calendar.
OperaVision: This platform live streams and hosts recordings of carefully curated opera productions throughout Europe, all free to access.
Art with Heart: A visual arts activity landing page for children at home, especially those who are emotionally affected by recent changes.
Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations
Charlotte Music Community Relief Fund: Created by Music Everywhere CLT in partnership with FAIR PLAY Music Equity Initiative and Tosco Music, this grant program is designed to help members of the Charlotte music community with loss of income due to COVID-19.
North Carolina Arts Council: Content Resource Guide for Artists
Helpful tips for transitioning to online and live streamed content.
Arts & Science Council: Mecklenburg Creatives Resiliency Fund
This fund helps creative practitioners in Mecklenburg County recover from personal emergencies by helping pay an unanticipated, emergency expense or by augmenting lost income due to the cancellation of a specific, scheduled gig or opportunity due to COVID-19.
Artist Relief Tree: A nationwide effort to provide funding for artists who have lost work due to COVID-19.
Americans for the Arts: COVID-19 Resource and Response Center
National Endowment for the Arts: COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations
U.S. Department of Arts and Culture: Community Care in the Time of Coronavirus
WomenArts: Emergency Funds for All Art Forms
WomenArts has compiled a list of places for artists of all disciplines to apply for emergency funds at this time.
StageIt Livestream Service: A live streaming platform that serves performing artists of all disciplines.
Additional Resources
MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund: The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation, MusiCares, have set up this fund to help members of the music community who have lost income due to COVID-19 precautionary measures.
North Carolina Artist Relief Fund: A collaborative effort to provide cost of living support to North Carolina artists of all disciplines. This initiative is “money in, money out,” meaning that the fund relies on donations, and 100% of donations are dispersed to artists.
State of North Carolina: Statewide Stay-At-Home Order
Mecklenburg County: Stay-at-Home Order Clarifications and Guidance
Get the Latest COVID-19 Information from the CDC
From Our Blog
Symphonies from Your Sofa: Classical Concerts and Operas to Stream from Home
Hosts Picks: Classical Music Films for your Next Movie Night
Keep Calm and Carry On: Learn what steps WDAV has taken to ensure you can enjoy classical music during the current public health situation.
Classically Trained Series: Explore the lives and contributions of classical artists with connections to the Carolinas.
Note: This is an ongoing list. Please contact Mary Lathem at malathem@wdav.org if you have resources to share.