Live music venues, theatrical producers, performing arts organizations, relevant museum operators, and other eligible entities across Oklahoma impacted by the pandemic can apply for Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) beginning April 8. The Oklahoma Arts Council highly encourages organizations that are planning to apply for the program to gather relevant documents in advance in order to submit their applications as early as possible. View a list of things to do before applying.

Grant amounts for entities that were in operation on January 1, 2019, will be for an amount equal to 45 percent of their 2019 gross earned revenue OR $10 million, whichever is less. Entities that began operation after January 1, 2019, are eligible according to a different calculation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which is administering the program, will process applications according to the extent of an organization's economic loss. For example, the first 14 days of grant awards will be made for entities that suffered 90 percent or greater revenue loss between April and December 2020.

Funds may be used for payroll, rent, utility payments, mortgage payments, worker protection expenditures, administrative costs, payments to independent contractors, and more.

The SVOG program was first announced earlier this year after passage of federal legislation that approved $15 billion in support for live performing arts venues and other related entities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was approved after months of efforts by stakeholders who advocated for elected officials to "save our stages."

Oklahoma organizations intending to apply are urged to begin gathering information now and applying as early as possible. The SBA has indicated there will be high demand for the program.

Go to the SVOG website for program details, a list of supplemental documents, video tutorials, and application instructions.