The pandemic has impacted us all. At REC, we’ve been trying to understand how we can best support the creative community through this global health crisis. At first we started to share resources we heard about…
But then, with the death of George Floyd and the continued call for justice – REC knew we needed to do more than just share resources…we needed to create them as well.
Enter REC Relief
In an effort to not only support creatives impacted by the pandemic – we are also focusing our efforts to support the Black community.
“We’ve always believed that the role of the artist is to push society forward.
Artists allow us to reflect on the realities we experience, and empower us to imagine a new & different future.
We believe this is needed most right now. REC has partnered with regional businesses to launch a fund to help offset the financial impact of Covid-19 on Black artists, and to support them in creating art to further the movement. We all have a role in this, and at REC we know providing the space and resources for artists to create in paramount”
– William Toms, Co-Founder of REC Philly
We immediately began to lean into our partners in Philadelphia’s business community — asking the decision makers to help make a difference when it was needed most.
Business after business answered the call. And within a week, we raised over $15,000 to distribute directly to Black creatives, along with 30 sponsored memberships to those same creators to ensure they had access to the creative tools & resources they needed.
GURU Grant: Micro-grants to Black Artists
Workhorse Grant: Micro-grants & Free REC Memberships to Black Artists
WXPN Grant: Micro-grants to Black Musicians
Ballard Spahr Grant: Micro-grants & Free REC Members to Black Artists
Indy Hall Grant: Micro-grants to Black Creatives
Comcast Business Memberships: Free REC Memberships to any creator
& much more
Our partners recognize their role in investing in our city’s culture and arts. For REC, we’ve always served as a bridge between the business community and the creative community…and at a time like this, we are proud to be able to do that work when it matters most.
“Art & Music live in the soul of GURU. It flows through our office space and in the hearts of our team. To support the creative community, specifically the black creative community, during such an important time in our history…we knew we needed to do something. REC provided an outlet to support black creatives in a way we knew would create a long-lasting impact – and that’s what we are here for.” – Rick Nucci, CEO of GURU
Most of these grant programs will be open for applications for at least 3-4 weeks, with each program having its own focus area to help best support various Black creators.
REC has no plans on slowing down these efforts either, and we invite other businesses to step up like our current community patterns have. We advise all creators to stay in the loop with REC Relief for updated grant programs and opportunities.
In a time of much uncertainty, REC and our Partners are here to support the creative community.
Let us ensure this revolution has the music & art to push it beyond just a moment. We appreciate everyone’s continued belief in REC on our mission to empower creators everywhere.
To learn more about REC Relief and to see our full list of resources, visit recphilly.com/relief.
