With public access to art and its related fields becoming limited, creatives all over the country are forced to endure a different battle — one that is riddled with anxiety from uncertainties of employment, worsened by the effects of the pandemic. With theaters and galleries being closed, shows being cancelled, and the creative industry being considered “non-essential” freelance workers are losing much of their income,  making them more vulnerable than usual. 

Inspired by the initiatives of ILOSTMYGIG.COM (USA) ILOSTMYGIG.NET.AU (Australia) ILOSTMYGIG.SG (Singapore), Fringe Manila Creative Producer Jodinand Aguillon and Festival Director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan established ILOSTMYGIG PH (ILMGPH) to quantify the effects of the pandemic to the creatives industry. Their website includes a questionnaire for both artists and potential clients. This way, artists can share how the pandemic is affecting their lives financially, mentally, and emotionally.

Their aim is to push awareness so that the community, related agencies, and the government can take concrete actions to address the impact of the pandemic to the livelihoods of creatives. As of April 21, 2020, over three thousand artists have lost their jobs, costing almost ₱100 million worth of income. 

Beyond the figures, ILMGPH also collates the individual stories of creatives. Snippets of these anecdotes are published in their Instagram account, putting an intimate frame to their personal battles and losses at the time of COVID-19. They are also providing resources such as directories for free psychological services, art communities that are in need of help, and other materials that can help creatives endure these trying times.

While it is not an avenue for donations, ILMGPH provides a platform for artists to connect with potential clients for paid work or projects that could be an outlet for their talents. They are also providing a list of initiatives that are currently helping our frontliners and the creatives that are deeply affected by the pandemic. 

If you have a freelancer friend or relative, they can check out ILMGPH’s website here (https://ilostmygig.ph/).