Last updated July 1, 2026
One week after two powerful earthquakes tore through northern Venezuela, the scale of the disaster continues to grow. The back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes of June 24 have killed nearly 2,000 people and injured more than 10,000, while tens of thousands remain unaccounted for. Hospitals are overwhelmed, healthcare facilities have been damaged, and displaced residents face mounting risks from untreated injuries, unsafe water and poor sanitary conditions.
Canada has committed an initial $5 million in humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the disaster as a “fast-developing tragedy” and said Canada would scale its response as needed.
Against this grim backdrop, artists from Venezuela, its diaspora and the wider Latin American community are turning grief into action.
Rafael Payare amplifies El Sistema’s recovery campaign
Photo: Gerard Collett
Venezuelan conductor and Artistic Director of Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Rafael Payare shared an appeal from El Sistema, which is raising funds for students, employees, families and music facilities affected by the earthquakes.
In its appeal, El Sistema wrote:
“From El Sistema, we are supporting hundreds of our students, employees, families and facilities affected by the earthquake. Your contribution will allow us to continue accompanying and helping the members of our institution who need it most.
To donate, use the CAF recovery fund linked in El Sistema’s post, register your information and complete the transfer. Enter “El Sistema” in the reference field and send proof of payment to [email protected]. Questions may be directed to +58 424-273-3323.”
Payare also shared a brief personal message on his Facebook account:
“Mi amada Venezuela, no hay palabras. Mi corazón contigo siempre.”
“My beloved Venezuela, there are no words. My heart is always with you.”
Gustavo Dudamel partners with the UNDP
Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel has launched one of the most ambitious artist-led responses to the disaster, combining an international donation campaign with plans for a major benefit concert.
On June 27, Dudamel announced that he had signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme, or UNDP, to help ensure that the international aid and donations he is promoting reach the communities most urgently in need.
He is also organizing a large-scale international concert and other fundraising activities to secure additional resources and humanitarian assistance for Venezuela.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, is vital,” Dudamel wrote, concluding: “Dear Venezuela, we will overcome this!”
The UNDP campaign is intended to help communities restore livelihoods, regain access to essential services and rebuild in safer and more resilient ways. It will also support opportunities for children and young people to recover and reconnect with their communities.
Rubén Blades calls for direct assistance
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons
Panamanian singer-songwriter Rubén Blades issued a direct appeal for international assistance while encouraging Venezuelans to maintain hope.
Blades recalled losing a friend during the 1999 Vargas disaster, which devastated many of the same coastal communities now affected by the earthquakes.
“Exhorto a todo el mundo a que envíe lo que puedan, como puedan.”
“I urge everyone to send whatever they can, however they can.”
Blades said he was directing his own support through Cáritas Venezuela and encouraged donors to consider established Venezuelan organizations capable of delivering aid inside the country. Cáritas has activated its diocesan and parish networks to collect, organize and distribute food, water, medicine and other assistance in affected communities.
Carlos Vives helps organize a supply campaign
Colombian singer Carlos Vives joined the Colombian Football Federation, the City of Doral and Global Empowerment Mission, or GEM, in organizing a collection campaign for Venezuelan families.
The initiative took place on June 27 during a public gathering surrounding the Colombia–Portugal World Cup match in Doral, Florida. Attendees were invited to contribute nonperishable food, personal-hygiene products, diapers and supplies for babies.
The campaign transformed a major sporting event into an opportunity to collect material assistance from the large Colombian and Venezuelan communities in South Florida. Although the collection event has passed, it offers a model for how concerts, festivals, sporting events and other public gatherings can incorporate relief drives.
Shakira asks followers to donate and share
Colombian singer Shakira used her international reach to draw attention to families affected by the earthquakes and shared information about organizations working in the disaster zones.
“If you can, please donate, share, or get in touch with them. Our help is urgently needed.”
Her appeal emphasized that sharing verified information can also help relief organizations reach new donors and supporters.
Carlos Baute turns his platforms into an information network
Venezuelan singer Carlos Baute placed his social-media accounts at the disposal of affected families and people searching for relatives.
Baute invited those looking for someone, requesting assistance or circulating urgent information to send him material that he could repost. Other Venezuelan artists and public figures have adopted similar approaches, using their platforms to amplify missing-person notices and emergency information.
In a disaster where electricity, internet access and telecommunications have been disrupted, the circulation of accurate information can itself become an important form of assistance.
What can the artistic community do?
The emerging artistic response offers several models for orchestras, presenters, festivals and individual musicians:
- Direct audiences toward a verified humanitarian fund
- Donate part of the proceeds from a performance
- Organize a benefit concert or livestream
- Include relief information in concert programs, newsletters and social-media posts
- Collect essential supplies in partnership with an experienced humanitarian organization
Artists and cultural organizations can use their visibility to guide large audiences toward groups capable of delivering practical assistance.
La Scena Musicale will continue updating this article as additional musicians, orchestras and cultural organizations announce initiatives supporting Venezuela.
Where to Donate
The organizations below represent different forms of humanitarian response, from local community networks and child-protection agencies to United Nations recovery programs and large-scale disaster logistics.
We Love Foundation
A U.S.-based nonprofit with longstanding relationships among Venezuelan organizations, volunteers and communities. It channels resources toward nonprofit organizations and humanitarian initiatives operating in Venezuela and internationally.
Donate or learn more:
https://www.welove.foundation/
Cáritas Venezuela
The Venezuelan branch of the Catholic humanitarian network Cáritas Internationalis. Its diocesan and parish presence allows it to collect and distribute food, water, medicine and other assistance directly within affected communities.
Donate:
https://caritasvenezuela.org/donaciones/
Save the Children
An international humanitarian organization specializing in the needs and protection of children. Its earthquake response includes shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, child protection, family reunification and psychosocial support.
https://www.savethechildren.net/emergency/venezuela-earthquake
United Nations Development Programme and the Gustavo Dudamel Campaign
The UNDP is the United Nations agency focused on development and long-term recovery. Its campaign with Gustavo Dudamel supports the restoration of livelihoods, community infrastructure and essential services while helping communities prepare for future emergencies.
Donate:
https://www.every.org/undp/f/helping-venezuelan-communities
More information about Dudamel’s partnership with the UNDP:
https://www.gustavodudamel.com/news/gustavo-partners-with-undp-for-venezuelan-relief-efforts
UNICEF
The United Nations agency for children. UNICEF provides healthcare and nutrition services, clean water and sanitation, emergency supplies, child protection and psychosocial support for affected children and families.
Donate or learn more:
https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/venezuela-earthquakes
Global Empowerment Mission
An international disaster-response organization specializing in large-scale logistics and the delivery of emergency supplies. Its Venezuela response includes food, water, hygiene products, shelter materials and medical equipment, followed by longer-term housing, school and community-rebuilding projects.
Donate or learn more:
https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/venezuela-earthquakes/
El Sistema Recovery Fund
A targeted campaign supporting El Sistema students, employees and families, as well as damaged music-education facilities. Donations are being collected through a CAF recovery fund, with contributors asked to enter “El Sistema” in the transfer reference and send proof of payment to [email protected].
El Sistema’s original post contained a shortened CAF link that was not fully visible in the material provided. Donors may also contact El Sistema at +58 424-273-3323 for assistance.
CanadaHelps
Discover Canadian charities responding to the Venezuela earthquake and learn how your donation can help provide life-saving assistance to those affected.
* The Canadian government will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition in support of urgent relief efforts. Every donation made by individuals to these organizations from June 25 to July 14 will be matched, up to a total of $4 million.
Donate or learn more:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/crisis-relief-center/send-emergency-aid-to-venezuela/
