What LRAC is doing to continue supporting arts organizations in the Lake Region
Back in April when COVID 19 caused the closure of the region’s arts organizations, I called everyone to ask how they were doing and in what ways LRAC could be most valuable in terms of support. As we are currently 5 months into COVID-19, I felt that it was time to connect with everyone once again and see if anything had changed.
We’re all ready to see museums and art spaces buzzing with patrons once again. Hopefully we can get there safely soon.
LRAC’s Response to Common Concerns
At the beginning of the pandemic quarantine, arts organizations said that they were financially going to be okay for the short term as there were plans to cut back on expenses, reduce the number of programs offered and seek additional funding. Some of the smaller organizations, or organizations that only do one or two summer events, were considering hibernation for a year before they considered resuming operations in 2021.
When I asked what LRAC could do in support amid the pandemic, the top three things mentioned were:
Keeping the amount of money available in LRAC’s grant programs at the same level in FY21, if possible.
LRAC’s response: Our FY21 budget has allocated the same amount of money for grants as we had in FY20. This is dependent on finalized figures of State funding to the Regional Arts Councils.LRAC would be as flexible as possible with postponements of grantee events, final report deadlines, shifting grant funds for other purposes, early payment of operating support grants.
LRAC’s response: The LRAC Board has approved all of the above points of flexibility for FY20 and 21 grantees.Could LRAC provide help for arts organizations to shift events, meetings, workshops to virtual
LRAC’s response: This fall, LRAC will provide a series of 4 webinars on Digital Relevance for Arts Organizations, plus one on one coaching for each participating arts organization.
During the September check in calls, these same questions were asked and I was relieved to hear that most had applied and received Federal help through the Payroll Protection Loans, CARES Grants, and other emergency relief funds. This allowed them to be less fearful of the next 6-12 months. Does this mean that financial help from donors and supporters is less important? Absolutely not! Federal funding is just only providing breathing room while we all try to plan for an uncertain future. Because of this, support from donors and patrons continues to be crucial.
What Will LRAC Do Next?
During the latest check-in call, there were several additional suggestions about what LRAC could do to support the region’s arts organizations:
Offer Breakeven Insurance, which would cover the difference between the cost of a performance/project and what the organization brings in from ticket sales or fees.
Offer a new LRAC program that would help pay for unexpected expenses related to COVID 19 such as cleaning supplies, purchase of video cameras for virtual broadcasts, ZOOM subscriptions, etc.
Extend LRAC Operating Support grants to a multiple year grant.
LRAC’s Board will be taking these suggestions under consideration. All of the different arts organizations that I spoke with had concerns about the long range, 1-2 year stability, for their organizations. Federal funding is short term and nobody knows when audiences will be able to participate in events and performances without COVID restrictions or when they will be comfortable coming back to live events. LRAC shares these concerns and will try to be as responsive as possible as we face our own long range funding challenges.
As we all try to navigate these challenges, I would like to pass along a great resource from Arts Midwest. This link will take you to their website where there is information about new grants for organizations, things to consider when re-opening your facility, as well as projections regarding future audiences.
https://www.artsmidwest.org/news/2020/05-06/covid-19-resource-roundup-reopening
With gratitude and respect,
Maxine Adams
Executive Director
Lake Region Arts Council
