The OC Register reports on the financial turmoil engulfing the Arts sector and highlights Chance Theater Fundraising Efforts
Coronavirus-related closures have hit Orange County’s theater, music and arts organizations hard, with 62% anticipating a severe financial crisis from closures and canceled events, a new survey has found.
Forty-two leaders of county arts organizations responded to a survey conducted by Arts Orange County, which found that the groups have lost nearly $16 million to date.
The county has lost nearly 1 million admissions due to canceled events. As a result, the survey found, 31% of the groups have laid off or furloughed its staff and 43% have implemented salary reductions.
The local arts agency concluded that “the economic toll from job losses, canceled performances, and reduced philanthropic support is being felt across every supervisorial district in Orange County and threatens the future of the sector.”
Despite federal stimulus programs aimed to help, just nine OC arts organizations surveyed have been approved for the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program.
“Our first concern is for the people suffering from this illness and for the many who are undergoing financial hardship as a result of the crisis–including the many artists who live and work in our community,” Richard Stein, president and CEO of ArtsOC, said in a release.
“Sadly, it is apparent from the survey that the arts organizations who serve our citizens and employ these artists are now themselves in serious jeopardy.”
Many of the organizations remain committed to serving the community and are offering donations of materials and online programming.
In messages to supporters and ticket holders, theater and music groups are asking that audiences donate money spent on canceled events back to the organization or to roll their tickets and subscriptions into next season.
Many have sent out a clarion call for support. Here’s a sampling:
Pacific Symphony: Donations to the orchestra’s new Sound Future Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar by board member Charlie Zhang and his wife Ling Zhang, up to $100,000.
The Festival of Arts proclaims it’s “Not Ready to Throw Down Our Paintbrushes” and seeks support via accelerated ticket sales and donations in the hope of raising as much as $2 million
New Swan Festival, which is attached to the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts, requests support specifically for its Teacher Education Days.
Chance Theater in Anaheim says “a donation is an honest declaration of compassion, and we need your support now more than ever.” Gifts for its Make Them Hear You campaign, with a goal of $200,000, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the company’s most stalwart donors.
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