Giving Compass' Take:

• Here are 10 ways that you can support local arts agencies during the pandemic, which is causing increased furloughs, unemployment, and decreased budgets. 

• Are there opportunities in your community to support local arts organizations and artists? 

• Check out this arts fund that aims to meet the needs of experimental artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout.

Cities are in trouble. A new report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities—The Economy and Cities: What America’s Local Leaders are Seeing—shows that effectively every city, county, and town in America is expecting a budget shortfall this year. “[The] coronavirus will have a staggering impact on municipal employment,” notes the report, with about half expecting layoffs or furloughs. Depending on population size, 50% to 75% of municipalities will cut public services—and more than half expect that to include police.

Local arts agencies—arts councils, arts commissions, cultural affairs departments—lead, cultivate, and support an environment in which arts and culture can thrive. They ensure vibrant and accessible arts experiences for all. LAAs are an essential tool for local leaders as they work to rebuild their economy and promote social cohesion in the wake of COVID-19.

Do you need to get the message out quickly about the value your local arts agency adds to the community? You can download this “10 Reasons to Invest in Your Local Arts Agency During a Crisis” list as a handy 1-pager here.

  1. Support a robust jobs sector.
  2. Drive commerce to local businesses.
  3.  Grow the creative economy.
  4. Promote tourism.
  5. Unify communities.
  6. Partner in education.
  7. Improve civic pride.
  8. Support the health and well-being of the military.
  9. Promote healthy communities.
  10. Build social cohesion.

Read the full article about supporting local arts agency during a crisis by Mr. Randy Cohen at ARTS Blog.