The Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization that supports cultural organizations and their communities in America, just published an update in their newsletter on caring for the arts organizations across America: COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on America’s arts sector. Their research demonstrates that nonprofit arts organizations have already suffered financial losses of $4.5 billion in lost revenue and unexpected expenses. Canceled and postponed events have caused the loss of an estimated 197 million in attendance and resulted in an estimated loss of $6.2 billion in event-related consumer spending so far.
In response to the crisis, Americans for the Arts created the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource and Response Center, where they are sharing up-to-date news and resources for the arts and culture field, including information on the CARES Act; relief funds for both individuals and organizations; national, state, and local resources, and free ArtsU webinars. The mission of Americans for the Arts is “to build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in America.
One of the great platforms that they are initiating is the National Arts Action Digital Summit from April 27 to May 1 and the individual events cost $25 and the whole summit price is $150 which is a great value considering all of the speakers and their experience and ideas that they will be sharing.
On a last note, we just read that on April 30, the student run organization Younison is organizing a day of gratitude for the health care workers and others on the front lines. It’s based on the late Bill Withers’ song “Lean on Me” which has emerged as a rallying cry during the pandemic.
By Victoria Larson, Editor, Side of Culture
VK Larson Communications
