Dear APAP Members and Colleagues, 

As sobering news of the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic continues, I lean into the question, what can I do right now to make a difference and to be of service? In fact, as your service organization, the entire APAP team has been working tirelessly on your behalf in the face of this crisis. This is our ethic.

I want to give you some updates on the work we've been doing, as well as ask you to take action.

APAP, along with the field leadership of the Cultural Advocacy Group (CAG), has just today issued to Congress the following statement, which includes key talking points . Have you contacted your members of Congress yet? It's very important that we make the case for performing arts organizations and independent artists right now, as legislation is being written in the next 48 hours . We urge you to contact your Congressional representatives through our online campaign . You are also encouraged to engage your local Congressional staff directly , using the talking points from the CAG statement .

Already contacted your members of Congress? THANK YOU!

This week APAP and our Alliance of Performing Arts Conferences colleagues hosted the first in a series of important field-wide conversations. You can now watch it online: "We Are Stronger Together: Navigating Crises and Sustaining Healthy Relationships in the Era of Coronavirus." We have also posted the full transcript and the chat box thread .

APAP has just launched a field-wide survey in order to collect data for us to share with organizational funders and to include in advocacy efforts to the U.S. federal government. Your responses also help APAP determine how best to serve you. Completing the survey takes only five minutes . Take the survey now , and share this survey widely.

In case you missed it, here are some important relief efforts for organizations and artists:

  • As part of the initial Congressional response to Coronavirus, the SBA's Economic Injury Loan Program has received additional funding to provide disaster relief loans, related to COVID-19, with eligibility for nonprofit organizations. If you are a small business, you should contact your local district SBA office to determine your eligibility. This program is expected to grow as more relief becomes available.




APAP is here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are in uncharted waters, but we are stronger together. We encourage you to forward this message to your colleagues.
Mario Garcia Durham
President and CEO, APAP