Call for applications: Relief fund for jazz musicians in South Africa

The fund will support musicians whose livelihoods have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by offering short-term basic income relief grants. The relief grants are available for a six-month period and all applications should be submitted by close of business on 28 March 2021. Applicants will receive notification of the result of their application by the end of April. 

The relief fund is administered by Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, which is the regional office of the Swiss Arts Council in the country. A panel of experts with diverse knowledge and experience of the South African jazz field has been appointed to evaluate applications and make recommendations to the Levedo Foundation and Pro Helvetia Johannesburg on the allocation of grants. 

Who can apply

Applicants should meet the following key criteria to receive support: 

• You are principally/primarily based in and active in South Africa (regardless of your citizenship). 
• You are actively participating in the broadly defined jazz field as a performer or composer. 
• You have a professional track record of at least a year of involvement in performance and/or recording jazz music, with some portion of your income being derived from this source. 
• You have experienced loss of income as a result of the restrictions and public health measures imposed in response to the COVID-19

“This finance is made available in exceptional circumstances, as a short-term measure to support jazz musicians in South Africa during this difficult period,” a statement reads. “It is important to emphasise that such funding is not part of the normal mandate of either organisation, and these measures are not foreseen to be sustained beyond the stated six-month period.”

Eligible musicians can view the original call and apply online here.