Stimulus: 2,400 New York artists to receive $1,000 monthly payments from $43.2million pot – see who’s eligible

STARTING today, 2,400 New York artists will begin receiving $1,000 a month for a year and a half.

This means a total of $43.2million will be distributed to artist participants.

The funding has no strings attached and is part of the guaranteed income program from Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY).

CRNY was started last year as an initiative to help struggling artists meet their basic needs outside of traditional or merit-based grantmaking.

Plus, the program is a way to compensate artists and creatives for their contributions.

CRNY is now the most extensive statewide guaranteed income program in the country.

Program participant Kristen Brooks Sandler said, “Scrambling at the end of the month to make rent because a gig’s check hasn’t come in the mail yet has become my reality. I didn’t realize how stressful that was until I received this funding.”

“The relief isn’t just financial; it’s emotional, physical, mental, and artistic,” Kristen added.

Who is eligible?

The program was first introduced in June 2021 when 22,000 people applied for payments.

Artists were randomly selected through a process that ensured equal funding distribution throughout New York State.

Additionally, CRNY prioritized specific residents facing systemic barriers to financial security.

According to data from CRNY:

• 62 percent of participants BIPOC
• 51 percent are a part of the LGBTQ+ community
• 34 percent are transgender
• 15 percent are deaf or disabled

Participants ages range anywhere from 18 to 65.

Data also showed that 1,556 participants are based in New York City, while 844 are based outside New York City.

Those enrolled in local, state, and federal benefits may opt-in to benefits counseling.

Another New York guaranteed income program.

New York has another program for residents starting next year that offers 175 Rochester residents $500 monthly payments for one year.

The program will use $2.2million from its federal emergency COVID-19 funds.

During the program’s second year, the exact amount will be distributed to another group of 175 people.

According to a statement from the city, the program plans to provide “marginalized communities with critical resources and help to close the community’s wealth gap while boosting our residents’ ability to become homeowners.”

The spokesperson for the city, Carlet Cleare, told Center Square that the city is still deciding what the program will look like.

“That involves building community and stakeholder partnerships, a communications team, policy, and securing researchers,” Carlet told the outlet.

To be eligible, you must:

• Live in households with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level
• Be 18 years or older
• A current resident of the city of Rochester with at least one year of established residency

Plus, Americans get automatic payments of $750 for six months – see who qualifies for the cash.