The Artists’ Benevolence Fund is a unique source of financial assistance to artists living in Laguna Beach, who have suffered a catastrophic event, leaving them unable to work. The Fund began as the Artists’ Relief Fund in 1987, when artwork was auctioned to help a critically ill Sawdust Festival artist. In 1993, the fund was reorganized as a non-profit shelter within the Sawdust Festival and expanded to help not only Sawdust exhibitors, but any working artist in the city of Laguna Beach. With a $1000 maximum monthly grant amount, the Artists’ Benevolence Fund has awarded over $100,000 in relief to artists in their times of need.
Anyone may contribute to the Fund, but each Summer, Sawdust artists rise to the occasion and selflessly donate their art to the annual Artists’ Benevolence Fund Art Auction. This special event accounts for the majority of the revenue raised for the Artists’ Fund.
