Soprano Nicole Car has launched Freelance Artist Relief Fund Australia to help provide financial aid to artists who have been hurt financially by the COVID-19 crisis.

The organization was founded in March 2020 and offers grants to Australian classical singers. An amount of $150,000 has already been raised, but the organization has its sights set on over $1 million. All donations are tax-deductible and will be processed by Music & Opera Singers Trust Ltd.

“Freelance artists have seen their contracts annulled and income disappear for the foreseeable future and as of today, nobody knows when it will be possible to perform again,” Car stated in a press release. “There is no safety net and there was no time to prepare. I felt I needed to do something to help my colleagues who, like me, fall into the gaps. This is a time for human kindness and looking after people as best as we can.”

The advisory committee features Virginia Braden OAM, Jane Hemstritch, Graham Pushee, Patrick Togher and Maureen Wheeler AO, while Simpsons help as honorary legal advisors.