Dear Friends of the Arts,
As Congress and the Administration prepare additional forms of COVID-19 federal assistance, we call for relief that will sustain the arts sector’s unique capacity to support the U.S. economy, uplift and heal the human spirit, address equity and justice, and provide lifelong learning. In the months and years to come, the country will need the arts and culture sector to deliver on this unique mission and to catalyze economic activity. The unexpected loss of revenue and employment are immediately damaging to arts organizations and individual livelihoods, and in order for workers and audiences to gather together safely again, many key forms of federal support are essential.
See the full relief policy request in this two page statement.
The arts sector serves artistic and educational missions through creative artists, writers, performers, and many other workers in full-time, part-time, hourly, seasonal, and freelance capacities. In March 2020, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the arts and culture workforce contributed $877.8 billion, or 4.5 percent, to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017. The arts sector is an economic engine that—prior to the pandemic—directly employed more than 5 million workers and indirectly sustained millions more. The next COVID-19 federal relief effort should support the arts workforce and arts sector continuity and recovery.
Please contact Vermont's Congressional delegation now to encourage them to include the arts and culture sector in all COVID-19 federal relief legislation.
Many thanks from the Vermont Arts Council!
