Essential resources and information you can access immediately.
A locally based nonprofit guide to services and information
Please work with your insurance agent or broker, claims adjuster, and insurance company to achieve a settlement that you believe is fair and consistent with your coverage. If you have a question about your insurance or a dispute with your insurance company, please call 1-800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers
The page is being updated regularly to serve as a depository of resources for the arts and culture community.
The page lists updated resources and events, including free medical clinics.
This page offers answers to frequently asked questions about individual assistance for disaster survivors.
Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection, and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining the decision. This page explains how you can appeal a decision that you find unsatisfactory.
This toolkit provides resources for you to share with your community about recovering from the Southern California fires, including useful messages that are tailored to key constituencies.
The Field Guide provides a snapshot of federal disaster assistance programs that can go into effect after a presidentially declared disaster, focusing on longstanding programs. It includes in-depth information about financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), along with introductory information about other federal resources that provide a mixture of financial and other assistance.
This Fact Sheet on the intersection of art, emergency management, and community resilience provides an overview of what emergency managers, artists, and art and culture organizations need to harness the strength of the arts, fortify communities, champion equity, and build local community resilience. It provides a non-exhaustive list, including information on how to access FEMA grant programs.
Take photos or videos of the damage and make a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged items, including artwork, equipment, and personal belongings. Also, check for any pre-loss photos or videos to help accurately document your claim and contents inventory.
Notify your homeowner’s, renter’s, or studio insurance provider immediately. Request a copy of your policy if you don’t have one.
Provide documentation of your losses, including receipts, appraisals, or other evidence of value for your artwork and materials.
If insurance is insufficient, apply for disaster assistance through FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov
Resources to help recent wildfire victims
Use platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Patreon to raise funds. Share your story, including photos and details about the impact of the wildfires. Here is an example resource to get started: Start a GoFundMe for Someone Affected by LA County Fires
The SECURE Act of 2022 includes provisions that can be used by plan sponsors to provide impacted participants with quick access to much-needed funds. There is a maximum distribution of $22,000 per disaster, with the early withdrawal penalty waived and income tax spread out over three years.
A coalition of art organizations led by Getty launched a $12 million emergency relief fund for artists and arts workers across all disciplines who have been impacted by the wildfires.
Beginning Monday, January 20th, impacted artists and arts workers can apply for an emergency grant through the Center for Cultural Innovation’s portal.
An artist-initiated GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help impacted artists and arts workers. The page also assesses urgent needs and highlights mutual aid through surveys.
Offers emergency financial assistance to craft artists.
Provides emergency grants for visual artists.
Offers emergency grants to artists facing hardship.
Contact organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or local arts councils for temporary housing assistance.
Find out if your area is eligible for SBA disaster loans. There are different types of available disaster loans, and you can check your eligibility. These include but are not limited to:
Applicants are encouraged to apply online for a disaster loan. Call 1-800-659-2955 or schedule an in-person appointment if you have any questions.
Provides legal advice and services for artists, including assistance with insurance claims, contracts, and housing disputes: California Lawyers for Arts Wildfire Resource List
Provides free legal help to disaster survivors.
Note: FEMA provides DLS through the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association (ABA). DLS may only give advice and help with cases that won't have a fee. For fee cases, you may be referred to a local lawyer referral service.
Many law schools and legal aid organizations offer free legal clinics for disaster victims.
Many bar associations offer lawyer referral services and may connect you to attorneys with experience in wildfire claims.
If eligible, FEMA may provide rental assistance or temporary housing.
Check with local emergency shelters or temporary housing facilities.
During natural disasters, Airbnb often offers free temporary housing to displaced individuals.
If eligible, FEMA may provide rental assistance or temporary housing.
Reach out to local or national artist communities for support and possible housing offers.
If you live or work in Los Angeles County, the federal and California state deadlines for 2024 Q4 estimated tax payments have been extended until October 15, 2025 due to the wildfires. You should consult your tax advisor with any questions.
Use fire-resistant safes or storage cabinets for important documents and smaller artworks.
Keep a digital record of your artwork, including high-resolution photos and descriptions.
Document your production and keep an inventory of works in the studio, storage, on loan, or on consignment. Include in your records the sales price and works that are to be consigned or loaned for exhibition. Make sure that you work with your broker on your consignment and loan agreements and it’s clear who’s carrying the insurance, the value of the artwork, and the term of the transaction.
Work with your broker and insurance carrier to identify risks before they happen. This includes your studio, home, and the area at large.
Ensure that your insurance policy specifically covers art studios, equipment, and valuable
artwork.
Develop a plan to quickly evacuate your most valuable items in case of another disaster.
In 2006, the Coalition was formed in response to the significant losses and devastation that artists and creative economies suffered following 21st-century disasters. As a voluntary task force of national, regional, state, and local arts organizations, public agencies, and foundations, the Coalition helps ensure that artists, arts and cultural organizations, cultural funders, and arts businesses have the capacity to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies that affect the arts and culture sector.
CERF+ provides craft artists with support and resources for disaster and emergency relief, education programs, and readiness grants to strengthen preparedness. Committing to generosity, inclusion, and care, we advocate for the thrive-ability of craft artists and craft as an art form.