Israeli Artist Relief Fund

In 2020, AICF launched an emergency relief fund to assist professional Israeli artists who experienced hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The Israeli Artist Relief Fund was founded for artists who face extreme challenges due to the pandemic. The Fund has awarded 3,000 NIS (approx. $937) grants to over 1,800 artists to help them through this difficult time. 

For more information about the fund, contact us at [email protected].

NOTE: The Israeli Artist Relief Fund program was completed in 2021 and currently is not planned to be re-established.

Approved Disciplines:

Dance – Dancer, Choreographer, Costume Designer, Set Designer, Lighting Designer

Film – Film director, Film producer, Photography director, Film editor, Screenwriter, Costume designer, Set designer, Lighting designer

Music – Composer, Instrumentalist, Singer, Conductor

Theater – Director, Actor, Playwriter, Dramatist, Pantomimist, Costume Designer, Set Designer, Lighting Designer

Visual Art – Photographer, Painter, Sculpture, Plastic artist, Performance artist, Animators, Cartoonist, Video artist

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Age 21 and older
  • Israeli citizen or permanent Israeli resident (Teudat  Zehut number required)
  • Currently living in Israel
  • Experiencing significant economic distress due to the COVID-19 crisis
  • Professional artists, able to demonstrate a sustained commitment to their work and to submit proof of their artistic contributions within the last 12 months (website, CV, portfolio, social media links, etc.) in one of the eligible art fields
  • Did not receive an AICF (Sharett) scholarship in the COVID-19 year
“It has not been an easy year at all. Of joblessness, uncertainty and instability manifested in economic and mental difficulty. Such a grant given us is like cold water on a weary soul, which gives us strength and hope to open up the industry and return to work. Well Done! Keep up the good work! Thank you very much! In prayers that we will all return to a full routine of lots of Israeli arts.”
Actress & Dancer
“The past year has been and continues to be weird, complex and challenging, yet it reveals so much caring, support, solidarity and giving. This help is tremendous not only financially but also symbolically. I am thrilled that some people and institutions want to help artists in such a difficult time. I also thank all the people involved in the behind-the-scenes work to enable me to receive the grant.”
Opera Singer
“Thank you so much for such magnificent news! I am truly thrilled by such a tremendous update! It’s a great support, plus I feel touched to get it from the organization which is so meaningful for me as a musician and so close to my heart. Again, thank you so much for your support and trust.”
Baroque Violinist
“From the bottom of my heart thank you for your contribution. I received the grant at the beginning of Passover, as the greatest holiday gift that could be given. I was so inspired and uplifted by the grant, it feels like poetic justice after everything that has happened over the past year. As musicians have suffered a lot both financially and mentally, your grant has reached the best and purest hands. Hope to see you soon at happy events and keep in touch. In appreciation…”
Pianist