PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A pair of new grant programs in Maine is designed to help artists who are struggling economically due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Maine Arts Commission said it made $127,000 available for artists and cultural organizations via the programs. One is slated to help individual artists while the other is for organizations.

It will take more money to meet the needs of Maine’s artists and art organizations, commissioner executive director David Greenham said. Arts and culture venues were among the first to close when the pandemic upended the worldwide economy.

“The arts are critical to Maine’s success, and the artistic community is anxiously optimistic that we may soon safely welcome the public to our performing arts venues, museums, galleries, artist studios, workshops, fairs and festivals,” Greenham said.

The commissioner said the money will be distributed directly to the artists and groups.