Queerguru recently wrote about JOHN JARBOE our very own favorite Beaded Lady from The BEARDED LADIES CABARET IN PHILADELPHIA and his commission by WORKS & PROCESS ARTIST (WPA) VIRTUAL COMMISSIONS.
It is a special project by the Guggenheim that was set up to financially support artists and nurture their creative process during these challenging times
Now we are delighted to hear that Provincetown has a similar scheme for all the artists who were denied a chance to perform this summer. The Provincetown Performing Arts Fund (PPAF), in cooperation with the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and sponsored by The Palette Fund, has raised over $25,000 to support Provincetown’s performing arts community.
PPAF was created in June by Provincetown entertainers Jonathan Hawkins and Jon Richardson to support those in the performing arts community who are struggling due to loss of income. This includes performance artists, musicians, DJs, theatre professionals, and technical production staff (stage managers, lighting designers, and others.)
Funds were raised through individual donations, private in-home concerts, and a weekly show poolside at the Crown & Anchor, in cooperation with Rick Murray, featuring a diverse lineup of local and international performers including John Cameron Mitchell, Bitch, Varla Jean Merman, Dina Martina, Miss Richfield, Zoe Lewis & The Social Distancers, Elle Emenopé, Qya Cristál, Travis Nesbitt, Edmund Bagnell, Brian Calhoon, and others.
“Provincetown has stepped up time and time again to help those in need in our community,” said Hawkins, “So many beloved Ptown performers have used their talents to raise funds for worthy causes, and these artists, whose contributions make up the fabric of our community, now need our help. We are grateful to The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and The Palette Fund for making this initiative possible.”
The fund recently met its $25,000 goal and will continue to raise funds towards a $30,000 goal. “COVID-19 restrictions continue, so we are going to continue as well,” said Hawkins. “Currently, we can offer assistance to more than 25 applicants, and we would love to double that number and help even more of our community, especially before the Winter season.”
Those interested in applying for funds need to meet a set of criteria that include being a full-time resident of Provincetown or have worked in the Provincetown performing arts industry for three full Summer seasons and be 18 years of age or older.
The PPAF and Arts Foundation of Cape Cod have assembled selection committees that will work together to choose the recipients.
The fund will provide up to $1000 per applicant. Applications are reviewed weekly and applicants will be notified of status within 10 business days of their submission. Funds distribution will begin at the end of September will be distributed until funding runs out.
The list of criteria and application are available at https://www.provincetownperformingartsfund.com/apply-1. Tax-deductible donations to the fund are still being accepted, and 100% of each donation will go directly to artists in need. To donate, visit
https://artsfoundation.org/provincetown-performing-arts-fund/.
