Supporting Artists and Arts Organizations during the COVID-19 Outbreak
March 9, 2020
A Message to ArtsFund supporters:
As you are likely aware, the mounting concern around COVID-19 (often referred to as coronavirus) here in the Puget Sound region is having profound effects on our region’s cultural institutions.
ArtsFund stands in support of the arts, cultural, and heritage organizations choosing to move forward with regularly scheduled performances, public programs, and events. ArtsFund also respects each individual organization’s decisions about closures, postponement of activities, or other social distancing measures. We trust that our cultural partners are committed to the health and safety of their patrons, staff, and volunteers, and are communicating and implementing precautionary measures following best practices and recommendations put forth by King County, the Center for Disease Control and the City of Seattle.
Regardless of whether organizations remain open or closed, we know that the current situation is impacting the cultural sector in a number of immediate and escalating ways including attendance drops and negative financial impacts with direct effects on affiliated artists and staff.
As an arts supporter, here are a few ways you can help right now:
–Stay informed. If you have plans to attend an arts and cultural activity, check that organization’s social media and website for updates and communications. If you are at greater risk of illness or feel uncomfortable attending events, please stay home. The latest updates from King County Public Health can be found here.
–If you choose to stay home from arts and cultural events that you previously purchased tickets for, consider donating your unused ticket back to the organization. Transferring your ticket purchase to a donation supports arts organizations’ futures in an uncertain time.
–If you have the resources, consider making a financial donation to arts or cultural organizations.
–Share a message of support on social media, either sharing ArtsFund’s post or creating your own.
During difficult times, we often turn to the arts for hope, inspiration, courage, and a vision for how to move forward. Our arts community needs support now so that they can continue to strengthen our community now and into the future.