- November 27, 2024 -

NEH Chair’s Disaster Recovery Grants for Humanities Collections

The National Endowment for the Humanities has announced an open call for the Chair’s Disaster Recovery Grants for Humanities Collections for humanities organizations affected by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Emergency response and recovery activities may include salvaging humanities collections such as rare books, documents, photographs, artwork, sculptures, historical objects, audiovisual media, and digital collections.

Preservation field services networks and consortia that support collecting institutions’ efforts to respond to and recover from emergencies impacting cultural heritage collections are also eligible to apply.

Applications to this open call for the Chair’s Disaster Recovery Grants for Humanities Collections from organizations affected by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Helene and Hurricane Milton will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 25, 2025.

More information is here.

- September 20, 2024 -

ARTICLE: "So many music festivals have been canceled this year. What's going on?"

From NPR: "It may not be too much of an exaggeration to say that 2024 was the year the music festival died. A wave of festivals has been unplugging their microphones and telling pass holders, 'Sorry!'

Desert Daze, a psychedelic rock fest in Southern California; Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, a reggae fest in Northern California; Kickoff Jam, a country music festival in Florida; Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Virginia; Sudden Little Thrills, a multigenre festival in Pittsburgh; Float Fest in Austin, Texas; the list of recent cancellations goes on and on.

And it’s not just America. In Europe, festival after festival — from Lollapalooza Paris to the Sideways Festival in Helsinki — has announced cancellations for this year or forever. By one count, over 60 music festivals were canceled in the U.K. this year alone. In Australia, so many festivals were canceled that one magazine there recently asked, 'Are the nation’s music festivals extinct?'..."

The full article may be found here.

- July 31, 2024 -

ARTICLE: "Please Don’t Stop the Music: Succession Planning Challenges and Paths to Success in Performing Arts Organizations"

Our colleagues at Chorus America have published the article Please Don’t Stop the Music: Succession Planning Challenges and Paths to Success in Performing Arts Organizations that discusses strategies to mitigate disruptions during leadership transitions and highlights the importance of proactive planning in maintaining organizational continuity.

"A quiet (or not so quiet) crisis. A stealth emergency. That piece of business you know you need to take care of but never seem to get around to: What would happen at your organization if key people—founders, staff, volunteers—were not there anymore? Performing arts organizations around the country are increasingly finding the need to address the question of sustaining their legacy and impact, as social trends drive more personnel uncertainty.

- July 17, 2024 -

Succession Planning for Cultural Institutions webinar recordings

Our partners at the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) and Lyrasis have made available recordings of two webinars focused on Succession Planning for Cultural Institutions as part of the the Cultural Stewardship Succession Planning Initiative. This two-year initiative was created to actively address the need for leadership development and knowledge transfer in the cultural heritage workforce. This effort has gathered data and has built professional development resources to support succession planning for cultural stewardship staff and volunteers. The webinars covered Research Findings and a Resource Roadmap:

Cultural sector professionals are notorious for wearing the proverbial many hats and making extraordinary use of scarce resources. Staff transitions, whether unexpected or planned, can be disruptive and stressful in these environments. With shifts to the workforce and volunteer pipelines, succession planning and knowledge transfer are becoming more important to address. As a result of the Cultural Stewardship Succession Planning Initiative, funded by a Museum Leadership Grant from the Institute for Museum & Library Services and a joint effort by the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts and Lyrasis, a suite of resources have been produced to aid in succession planning. These resources resulted from a number of listening sessions with members of a wide range of arts and cultural organizations.

The recordings of the webinars are here:

Succession Planning for Cultural Institutions, Part One: Research Findings: https://ccaha.org/events/succession-planning-cultural-institutions-part-one-research-findings
Succession Planning for Cultural Institutions, Part Two: Resource Roadmap: https://ccaha.org/events/succession-planning-cultural-institutions-part-two-resource-roadmap

- April 18, 2024 -

From the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security:

- April 13, 2024 -

From the National Endowment for the Arts website:

Performing Arts “Crossover” Strategies Fail to Diversify Core Audiences, According to New Report

"Organizations should frankly assess whether they seek to expand audiences or whether they seek to expand audiences strictly for their artistic priorities, because these can be in tension. Organizations can choose to do either or both but should not conflate the two." — Francie Ostrower, PhD, In Search of a Magic Bullet: Results from the Building Audiences for Sustainability Initiative

Barely a page into Ostrower’s magisterial report for the Wallace Foundation

, we learn that the first part of the title is meant ironically. Magic bullets? You’ve come to the wrong place. Ostrower, a professor at both the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, concedes: “As much as we wish it were otherwise, the reader should be forewarned that neither the initiative nor this study yielded easy solutions to the problems” that performing arts organizations face in retaining audiences, engaging new ones, and staying fiscally healthy at the same time.

Ostrower’s report sums up lessons from research and evaluation connected with a five-year investment of $41 million that Wallace made to 25 large nonprofit performing arts organizations in the wake of reports from the National Endowment for the Arts, and elsewhere, that attendance rates were flat or in decline. In Search of a Magic Bullet is the final of a series

that Ostrower produced for Wallace as part of her independent study of the organizations’ audience-building efforts... (continue reading here)

- April 11, 2024 -

The Art of Mass Gatherings Podcast is Here!

The Performing Arts Readiness project is excited to announce that our partners at Majestic Collaborations have launched the Art of Mass Gatherings Podcast.

The podcast hosts traveled to cities around the US facilitating the Art of Mass Gatherings symposiums and met many luminaries. Join us as we explore the intersection of festivals and community resilience, focusing on the powerful role that arts and events can play in climate and disaster preparedness.

The first two episodes are available now:

Ep. 1: Emma Stuart: Navigating Change Inclusively
From the challenges of crowd management and safety planning to the innovative strategies for ensuring accessibility and community engagement, this episode offers a deep dive into the practices that make festivals a vital tool for building resilient communities. Matthew Kowal and Tom Clareson discuss festival resilience and emergency preparedness with guest Emma Stuart, an event and crowd safety advisor, exploring the importance of safety, accessibility, and community in event management amid crises.

Ep. 2: Walk and Talk: Bertrand and Matt Talk About Festivals as Classrooms for Disaster
Bertrand and Matt take a walk around Inspirational Point Park in Denver, CO, and talk about our work with a look towards the future. In this episode, they delve into how festivals can be dynamic classrooms for disaster preparedness. The co-founder of Majestic Collaborations, Matthew Che Kowal, unpacks the lessons learned from Standing Rock and discusses the potent mix of cultural traditions, resilience, and the arts as catalysts for social change and readiness for crises. This episode is a deep dive into how the arts and festivals foster community engagement, empathy, and mutual aid, with a look at the practical applications of the Four Pillars Audit in creating safe, sustainable, and inclusive events.

coming soon...

Ep. 3: This episode takes us to the Nevada Emergency Managers Conference for a vital panel on accessibility in disasters. The discussion addresses creative solutions for inclusive emergency management, stressing the importance of considering people with disabilities in planning mass gatherings like Burning Man. The panel shares powerful insights on the necessity of practice drills, clear communication, and the value of direct engagement with the disability community to enhance safety for all.

Ep. 4: This episode delves into the insightful expertise of Kelly Hubbard, Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Manager. The discussion covers effective emergency strategies for various mass events and the critical role of clear communication systems, especially for the disabled community. Learn from Hubbard's experience with the Route 91 Las Vegas Festival and discover how the arts contribute to community recovery post-disaster.

Sign up to get email updates for the release of each new episode.

- April 8, 2024 -

Emergency Planning Grants from the Performing Arts Readiness project

The “Performing Arts Readiness” (PAR) project, funded by The Mellon Foundation, seeks to improve emergency preparedness among performing arts organizations through advocacy and outreach. Acknowledging that lack of time, capacity, and expertise are major barriers to emergency preparedness planning for most performing arts organizations, the project awarded 38 performing arts organizations grants of up to $7250 for the creation of individual institutional emergency preparedness or Continuity of Operations (CoOP) plans. These organizations received the emergency preparedness planning grants:

• Admiral Theatre (WA)
• Area Stage Company (FL)
• Atlas PAC (DC)
• Black Hills Playhouse (SD)
• Boston Court Pasadena (CA)
• Cal Shakes (CA)
• California Center for the Arts (CA)
• Chamber Orchestra of the Springs (CO)
• Choir School of Delaware (DE)
• Cleveland Institute of Music (OH)
• Coro de Ninos de Ponce (PR)
• The Dallas Opera (TX)
• Denver Center for the Arts (CO)
• Denver Young Artists Orchestra (CO)
• East Lake Expression Engine (TN)
• Elgin Symphony Orchestra (IL)
• Festiv-ALL (WV)
• The Florida Orchestra (FL)
• Gateway Regional Arts Center (KY)
• Grand Performances (CA)
• Grupo de Teatro SINERGIA (CA)
• Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (NY)
• Kayenta Arts Foundation (UT)
• La Peña Cultural Center (CA)
• Lone Tree Arts Center (CO)
• Lula Washington Dance Theatre (CA)
• New Orleans Film and Video Society (LA)
• Newfields (IN)
• Parlando (CO)
• Performing Arts Houston (TX)
• Portland Playhouse (OR)
• RAWdance (CA)
• Red Clay Dance Company (IL)
• Reno Philharmonic Association (NV)
• Richmond Ballet (VA)
• Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (LA)
• Stuart's Opera House (OH)
• Wonderbound (CO)

- March 25, 2024 -

Archival Site Visits from the PAR project

The Performing Arts Readiness (PAR) project announces the availability of free Archival Site Visits to assist performing arts organizations with the care of their of historical programmatic materials, business records, and other important object and ephemera collections.  This service is supported by funding from The Mellon Foundation.

Six of these Archiving Site Visits are available between April 2024 and October 2025 at no cost to the recipient organization.  The Site Visit includes an onsite visit by a Consultant, development of a brief report, and the Consultant’s travel free of charge to the organization requesting the survey. These consultations are part of the national PAR team’s efforts to provide information and resources to address the preservation and disaster preparedness needs of the performing arts community.  Preserving organizational history allows researchers, patrons, and the public to access information about your organization’s unique stories.

The visits consist of a review of topics including:

• Collection Condition Assessment
• Collection Storage Practices
• Building Condition
• Collection Security
• Policies and Procedures for Preservation
• Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

More information about this service and a downloadable interest form can be found here on the PAR website.

- March 1, 2024 -

Webinars on FEMA's changes to federal disaster assistance policies

Below is an announcement from our partners at the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response:

FEMA is making significant and critical changes to better support artists and creatives impacted by disasters! Following Hurricane Katrina and the huge gaps in FEMA support to self-employed individuals that became evident, your colleagues have been working to advocate for these changes which are now rolling out. In your role as an arts service leader, it's important that you be aware of these changes and we're asking for your help in rolling them out effectively.
Changes include Simplifying Assistance for Entrepreneurs so entrepreneurs, gig workers and other self-employed individuals can more easily reopen their businesses after a disaster. Previously, FEMA required self-employed individuals to apply for an SBA disaster loan to cover all business losses. As a part of the new regulations, FEMA may provide self-employed survivors with some initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment, or other items required for a specific trade or profession.
FEMA is currently promoting these changes, and asking for public comments. Those of us in the field have the opportunity to help them finalize the regulations and how they'll be implemented to make sure that artists and creatives receive the federal assistance they're entitled to if they're hit by disaster.
The National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) and FEMA have created a process for you to learn about the changes, share them with your constituents, and provide feedback before the changes become final.
Ways to take action:
Participate in a webinar on Monday, March 4, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time. Register in advance for this meeting here. It's particularly designed for artist and arts service organizations and funders. Other staff and Board members are also encouraged to attend! You can also tag it in your own social media.
Learn about the changes. For a quick overview, here is a one-pager. If you're interested in the deep dive, here's the full information.
Provide feedback on the changes. After Monday's webinar, we'll be sharing guidelines here on how you can share comments. We need you to help make sure your artist members and constituents will be well-served when the changes roll out.
Plan to attend, and promote, two additional webinars for the field:
April 15, 2:00PM ET: For artists and creatives: what these changes mean for you and how to be prepared so you can access assistance when you need it.
June 10, 2:00PM ET: For the entire field: updates on the changes, and how to help guide FEMA in their rollout and implementation
Registration links will be available next week here.
Contact NCAPER if we can do anything to help you understand the impact of these changes, or to share them with your members and constituents.

- January 3, 2024 -

COVID Safety Best Practices for Large Events

Our partners at Ujima Cultural Solutions presented the “COVID Safety Best Practices for Large Events” webinar on December 14, 2023. Sponsored by Performing Arts Readiness (PAR), this webinar brought together leading experts in event safety and COVID-19 management to provide valuable insights and tools to ensure the safety of your attendees at large events.

The webinar was aimed at:
– Event Producers
– Conference Planners
– Cultural Producers
– Presenting Venues
– Community Organizers

With the performing arts community converging at large-scale events, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and equity. Experts shared the latest developments in COVID-19 management, effective mitigation strategies, and practical solutions tailored to large event settings. A recording of the session is here: https://lyrasis.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1677/collection_resources/118214?access=SYFYdlu9P83kVxUNRIEczw%3D%3D

- December 4, 2023 -

PAR project grant award winners and upcoming grant deadlines

The Performing Arts Readiness (PAR) project, which supports a variety of programs to increase the knowledge and ability of performing arts organizations to create and execute emergency preparedness and recovery plans, has recently awarded 18 grants to support the emergency preparedness of performing arts organizations.

The PAR project was funded by the Mellon Foundation to address the vulnerability of performing arts organizations to emergencies and disasters that can damage business operations and artistic legacy. These grants will enable these organizations to address these issues.

Three grants of $25,000 were awarded to support the development of newly formed disaster preparedness and recovery networks.

15 grants of up to $7,250 were awarded for the creation of individual institutional emergency preparedness or Continuity of Operations (CoOP) plans.

An additional four Network Grants (March 1, 2024 application deadline) and nine Emergency Planning Grants are available (January 15, 2024 application deadline) from the PAR Project. More details and application forms may be found on the PAR website at: https://performingartsreadiness.org/grants/

Emergency network grant award winners:

• Maui Arts Education Alliance (Maui Arts and Cultural Center and Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts)
• Kentucky Heritage Emergency Response Network (University of Kentucky Research Foundation and University of Kentucky Department of Arts Administration)
• World Arts West Emergency Response Network (Bay Area and Northern California Dance Organizations)

Emergency planning grant award winners:

• Area Stage Company (FL)
• California Center for the Arts (CA)
• Choir School of Delaware (DE)
• Cleveland Institute of Music (OH)
• Coro de Ninos de Ponce (PR)
• Denver Center for the Arts (CO)
• East Lake Expression Engine (TN)
• Festiv-ALL (WV)
• Gateway Regional Arts Center (KY)
• Kayenta Arts Foundation (UT)
• Lone Tree Arts Center (CO)
• New Orleans Film and Video Society (LA)
• Red Clay Dance Company (IL)
• Richmond Ballet (VA)
• Wonderbound (CO)

- August 18,  2023 -

Wildfire Smoke Encroachment and the Performing Arts case study

The new article Wildfire Smoke Encroachment and the Performing Arts describes the impact of wildfire smoke on performing arts organizations and recommends steps to take to minimize harm:

Wildfire smoke has had a definite impact on communities worldwide in the past five years. The severity of wildfires exposes individuals to hazardous levels of smoke, which may lead to significant health concerns and disruptions in daily life. It is crucial to acknowledge that the impacts of wildfire smoke are multifaceted and can have far-reaching consequences for communities. Additionally, there is significant potential impact for performing arts organizations. On June 28, it was reported that an outdoor concert was cancelled at Breece Stevens Field in Madison, Wisconsin... The full article is on the PAR website here.

- June 6, 2023 -

From our colleagues at the Art of Mass Gatherings:

The Art of Mass Gatherings Symposium (AoMG) is thrilled to announce its upcoming event at the Boston Arts Music and Soul Festival (BAMS Fest) on June 22nd and 24th, 2023.

Join us for this year's symposium that will bring together industry experts, academics, and festival organizers to explore emergency preparedness, safety, sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement through hands-on learning using festivals as classrooms.

BAMS Fest is a celebration of Black art, music, and culture and is expected to attract over 15,000 attendees this year in Boston, MA. The festival is a vital part of Boston's cultural heritage, providing a platform for emerging artists and promoting community engagement. The Art of Mass Gatherings Symposium recognizes the significance of the BAMS fest, in history and the future and its importance in promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts and entertainment industry.

This AOMG hands-on learning and networking event is free to attend for event organizers, artists, emergency professionals, and anyone else who hosts large gatherings of people. You'll leave with concrete practices, resources, and new connections all while building sought-after cross-sectional skills to help improve community health outcomes and emergency preparedness.

More information about this event and a registration form are here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-art-of-mass-gatherings-in-boston

###

- April 4, 2023 -

New "Art of Mass Gatherings" opportunities from the PAR Project

The Performing Arts Readiness (PAR) project is looking for two hosts for a day-long symposium around emergency preparedness for festivals and other outdoor events featuring the performing arts, including live music, dance, etc. We will assist any other interested sites in finding local, state, foundation, or other funding for self-funded Art of Mass Gatherings events. The symposia would occur before, during, and after your event, using your event as a means to teach up to 50 participants. PAR will provide financial support for the symposia. Additional information is provided below. If demand for symposiums exceeds PAR budget, we will assist any other interested sites in finding local, state, foundation, or other funding for self-funded Art of Mass Gatherings events.

The PAR project, funded by The Mellon Foundation, seeks to improve emergency preparedness among performing arts organizations through advocacy and outreach. The national PAR team works to raise awareness, increase resources, and provide training that addresses the unique needs of the performing arts industry. PAR also is developing tools to assist with planning and advocacy and is providing grants to support emergency response networks and develop institutional preparedness plans. As part of this project, PAR is working with Majestic Collaborations (MC) as an emergency preparedness consultancy to develop a curriculum and coordinate a series of symposia for the performing arts industry. Collaboration between the symposium sponsors and host organization will allow each host to highlight their approach and expertise, and the event curriculum will be dynamic with relevance to individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in the topics below (hosts may select some topics to suit their anticipated audience):

• Life safety, health, and public welfare
• Event waste reduction and management as part of emergency preparedness
• Cultural placekeeping
• Climate change resilience
• Legal concerns and emergency plans
• Mental and physical health first aid
• Crowd management
• Entertainment and emergency systems (waste, water, weather, power,
interactive content/innovative audience communications to enhance safety)
• Enhancing accessibility - physical and other
• Transportation and tactical urbanism
• Harm reduction, gender safety, and trauma-informed practices
• Emergency planning for non-traditional venues, and immersive events

Organizations that are interested in hosting an AOMG symposium in their community and have a well-established event in which it could occur are encouraged to submit an interest form. More information about host site expectations, PAR guidance for events, and complete guidelines are in the downloadable interest form.

Details on the Art of Mass Gathering for Performing Arts project are available at the Majestic Collaborations web page: https://theartofmassgatherings.com/

- May 27, 2023 -

New Emergency Preparedness Grants Available from PAR

The Performing Arts Readiness (PAR) project is offering resources that assist organizations with emergency planning and contribute to their sustainability during crises. Please feel free to share the information below with organizations that you think would benefit from grants supporting the creation of emergency plans, grants for disaster network development, and the hosting of emergency preparedness consultants.

Among PAR’s offerings are:

• Grants of up to $7500 for 24 performing arts organizations for the creation of individual institutional emergency preparedness or Continuity of Operations (CoOP) plans: https://performingartsreadiness.org/grants/
• Grants of $5,000 - $25,000 each will be awarded for 7 projects to support both the development of new or emerging disaster preparedness networks that include performing arts and culture organizations, or the expansion of existing networks to increase participation among performing arts organizations: https://performingartsreadiness.org/grants/
• Three Emergency Preparedness Consultant/Circuit Riders to work directly with performing arts organizations on a local level, providing expertise, training, consulting and mentoring to staffs and Boards regarding effective emergency preparedness: https://performingartsreadiness.org/emergency-preparedness-consultants/

- November 17, 2022 - 

NJ Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Enhance Security for Large Venues

The New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy, signed legislation this week strengthening the state’s threat response infrastructure by enhancing security requirements for large venues. This bill requires sports and entertainment facilities capable of seating more than 5,000 people, movie theaters capable of seating more than 1,000 people, and places of worship capable of seating more than 500 people to annually prepare and maintain an emergency operations plan in coordination with the appropriate local fire, law enforcement, and emergency response agencies. The emergency operations plan must be submitted to the chief law enforcement officer who serves the municipality in which the sports and entertainment facility, movie theater, or place of worship is located.

More information is available on the State of New Jersey's website: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/20221114c.shtml?fbclid=IwAR1OMEO8BdZLniPLult6j7xcdfwDOAyWngsL4Kuy-El5q83HL41wNHpA2wE

- November 15, 2022 - 

Dancer Health Informational Papers from Dance/USA

Our colleagues at Dance/USA have added the paper, “Backstage First Aid Kits and Emergency Preparation” paper to their Dancer Health webpage. This paper covers how a proper first aid kit should contain all of the components necessary to administer appropriate first aid, as well as hold items specific to the needs of a traveling group or venue where the performance will be held.

The paper and others addressing dancer health are found at: https://www.danceusa.org/informational-papers

- November 7, 2022 - 

"The Role of the Artist: An Event with Puerto Rico's Cultural Community"

Our colleagues at Taller Comunidad La Goyco, CCCADI/Crossroads, and New Yorkers for Culture & Arts will present “The Role of the Artist: An Event with Puerto Rico’s Cultural Community” on Nov. 11 in San Juan, PR.

The event will be produced with NYC cultural groups: Wildlife Conservation Society, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Wave Hill, Lincoln Center, Louis Armstrong House Museum, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Chocolate Factory, NY Hall of Science.

NYC cultural workers and companies will present a donation to the community-based cultural groups on this panel as they recover and rebuild their communities. The fund is supported by The Wright Group, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, Park&K Public Affairs, Performing Arts Readiness Project/National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER), Amy Schwartzman.

Inspired by the quote of African-American author, documentary filmmaker, and social activist Toni Cade Bambara, this is a curated eventful afternoon in honor of Puerto Rico's artivists. Join us for a panel discussion with cultural groups from across Puerto Rico, moderated by Regina Bultrón Bengoa of CROSSROADS/CCCADI and Mariana Reyes Anglero of La Goyco. The panel will be followed by lunch, live music, free healing resources for the community, and self-guided tours of La Casa de La Plena.

PROGRAM

11am | Artist Talk: The Role Of The Artist is to make revolution irresistible

12pm-3pm | Lunch, live music, free healing resources, and self-guided tours of La Casa de La Plena

More information about this event is here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/role-of-the-artist-a-cultural-event-w-puerto-rico-and-nyc-cultural-groups-tickets-463683569037

- August 8, 2022 - 

"6 Disaster Preparedness Tips" article

Our colleagues at Musicares have published the article, “6 Disaster Preparedness Tips: How The Music Community Can Be Ready For Emergency Situations” with an interview with Tom Clareson, the Project Director for the Performing Arts Readiness project:

“It may seem like it's hard to plan for a natural disaster or an emergency. But organizations like Performing Arts Readiness (PAR) have made it their mission to help people in the music community — and beyond — do just that.

Tom Clareson is the Project Director of Performing Arts Readiness project, which is an initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation that is dedicated to helping performing arts organizations prepare for emergencies, protect their assets, and sustain operation...”

The entire article on the Musicares website may be found here.

- February 10, 2022 - 

dPlan/ArtsReady 2.0 Preview Video

A new online emergency preparedness tool, dPlan/ArtsReady 2.0, will be launched in March 2022 offering customized plan elements for your arts or cultural organization, including a mobile app for incident management. Both dPlan and ArtsReady were their own separate tools that have been combined and upgraded, with funding from an Andrew W. Foundation grant awarded to LYRASIS for the Performing Arts Readiness project.

A 15-minute preview video is available on the PAR website giving information on the updated, intuitive tool for the arts and cultural sectors that is usable and functional regardless of an organization’s size, scope, or discipline. The video is available here.

- February 1, 2022 -

NIVF Emergency Relief Fund

From our colleagues at The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF):

NIVF is announcing the relaunch of its Emergency Relief Fund. The NIVF Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) provides economic relief to independent, music and comedy venues, festivals, and promoters across the United States experiencing a severe financial emergency due to circumstances beyond their control.

While previously focused solely on mitigating the impact of COVID-19, the updated Emergency Relief Fund will now cover additional unforeseeable situations beyond the control of recipients, including natural disasters, future pandemics, and the lasting effects of COVID-19. The ERF is a crucial initiative for NIVF and aligns with its mission to preserve and nurture our national independent, live entertainment community.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and reviewed as received on a case-by-case basis by the ERF Committee under the direction of the NIVF Board of Directors. NIVF is committed to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility in its programs and decision-making processes, including the guidelines, application, criteria, and review process for the NIVF Emergency Relief Fund.

More detailed information about the fund, including a link for those that wish to apply or donate, can be found at https://www.nivassoc.org/erf.

- December 20, 2021 - 

Dallas Black Dance Theatre Thriving

As performing arts venues were closing in response to the COVID pandemic, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre decided to offer virtual performances for which they would charge fees. Thousands of tickets were sold and the Theatre took advantage of this opportunity to adapt performances to new spaces that were not possible before.

A video from PBS Arts tells the story of their successful adaptation.

- December 10, 2021 - 

New FEMA strategic plan focuses on equity and climate change

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released their 2022-2026 Strategic Plan that puts an increased focus on the impact of climate change and seeks to correct their history of unequally distributing funds.

A letter from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell states, “This Strategic Plan identifies three ambitious goals we must achieve to address these challenges and to ensure we continue to be the FEMA our nation needs and deserves.

 First, we must instill equity as a foundation of emergency management. Systems that foster inequality serve no one, especially in times of crisis. We must recognize that disasters affect individuals and communities differently, commit ourselves to reducing barriers to access, and deliver equitable outcomes for all whom we serve.

 Second, we must lead the whole of community in climate resilience. We must recognize that we are facing a climate crisis and educate ourselves and the nation about the impacts our changing climate pose to the field of emergency management. We must integrate planning for future conditions, move away from incremental mitigation measures, and focus on large projects that protect infrastructure and community systems.

Third, we must promote and sustain a ready FEMA and prepared nation. We must recognize that the demands on emergency managers will only continue to increase. We must lean into this as a shared responsibility to prepare the nation’s emergency managers and ready ourselves and the larger federal government to meet an expanding mission.”

The entire FEMA Strategic Plan may be found here.

- November 16, 2021 - 

CNN has published the following article the danger of crowd surges and the importance and crowd management:

Deadly crowd surges have happened for decades. Safety standards exist, but they're not required nationwide

... There is no federal law on crowd safety. But the National Fire Protection Association’s 101 Life Safety Code is considered the gold standard, said Wertheimer, who founded the Crowd Management Strategies consulting firm after The Who concert tragedy.

The code is revised every three years and has been adopted in more than 400 jurisdictions and agencies — from state fire marshals’ offices to local governments, said engineer Tracy Vecchiarelli, the NFPA’s standards lead for building fire protection and life safety.

The 2021 edition has several standards for crowd safety, including:

— Having at least one crowd manager for every 250 occupants at an event.

— In places larger than 10,000 square feet, the crowd density shouldn’t exceed one person every 7 square feet (about 2.6 feet by 2.6 feet).

— There must be adequate access to exits. In areas without well-defined exits, the exits can be distributed around the perimeter as long as they can accommodate the entire crowd.

— Life safety evaluations are required for events with more than 6,000 people. Those evaluations must detail safety measures in case of medical emergencies, natural disasters and other possible emergencies.

The full article is here.

- November 15, 2021 - 

Following the tragedy at the Astroworld Festival in Houston, TX, NPR has published the article:

8 tips to follow if you're trapped in crushing crowd

When does a crowd become dangerous? Should you push back in a crush of people? Those are some of the questions you might be asking yourself after eight people died and more were hurt during a Travis Scott performance at the Astroworld Festival in Houston.

The tragedy put a spotlight on how organizers and emergency staff handled the event. But it also raises direct and personal questions about what we should do to avoid an unsafe crowd — and how you can help yourself and others.

"Most of the time what we do is we give advice to organizers" about managing crowds, says Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist in Berlin who studies crowd behavior. "But actually, we don't give so often advice to the people that are in there."

The full article with recommendations is here.

- November 8, 2021 - 

Tragic incident at Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas

Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of those who passed away or were injured at the Astroworld Festival concert in Houston, Texas this weekend. We will be working over the next few weeks to feature news articles which provide suggestions on how to avoid these situations at future events.

Eight people died and more than twenty-five people were injured at the festival on November 5 when the crowd of attendees surged toward the stage. An article from CNN reports that, “Police are investigating the potential causes of the surge, which occurred at the Astroworld Festival at NRG Park and led to the deaths of eight people as well as many more injured. The show continued for 40 minutes after initial reports of spectators being harmed reached first responders.”

NPR reports that, “Before the concert even started on Friday, the festival appeared to get off to a rough start. Videos posted by a local news channel show large crowds of people rushing through collapsed gates to get into the concert. No security guards were seen responding for over a minute, even as people, who can be heard screaming, became stuck underneath the crowd pushing to get in. Police arrived on horseback to the gate shortly after.”

Our colleagues at the Event Safety Alliance have published a page that examines potential factors in the tragedy such as Security Staffing, Crowd Management Training, and the placement of Barricades noting that, “Barricade configuration is easy to get right and dangerous to get wrong. Tightly packed crowds suffer from basic physics in which the people in them tend to oscillate from side to side until someone cannot control their own body weight and falls down. Then the person next to them suffers the same fate, until there is a pile of people who are nearly invisible in the dark, pressing the air out of each other. Barricades in a T-shape at the front of a general admission crowd divide the force of sideways crowd pressure, and also create an aisle for security to see into the crowd in ways that are impossible with a barricade straight across the front of the stage. What was the barricade configuration at the front of the stage?” The full article is here.

The Performing Arts Readiness project works with performing arts organizations to assist them with planning for emergencies and increasing their capacity to respond to and recover from them. Recordings of our webinars including Safety and Security for the Performing Arts, Introduction to Festival Safety: The Art of Mass Gatherings Approach, and Risk Assessment for Performing Arts are on our website here.

- October 27, 2021 - 

From our colleagues at Slover Linett:

We're delighted to announce the release of a new report, “Turn Up the Mic, Tune Up the Future: A National Research Study of Roots Musicians in the U.S.” Commissioned by Whippoorwill Arts and undertaken in collaboration with the Blues Foundation, Folk Alliance International, Americana Music Association, International Bluegrass Music Association, Globalfest, and American Federation of Musicians, Local 1000, the study aimed to better understand the needs, challenges and aspirations of working musicians during the pandemic and beyond. The survey findings paint a dynamic picture of the artists who animate our nation’s local venues and highlight the changes and investments needed to make musical careers and the broader music ecosystem more equitable and thriving.

More than 1,200 working musicians completed the survey, which was followed by group discussions with demographically diverse musicians to co-interpret the findings. The research sheds light on challenges musicians have faced for years and reveals how these “pre-existing conditions” have worsened in the pandemic era.

Read or download the report here.

- October 26, 2021 - 

From Entertainment Weekly:

The conflict and cost of touring in a pandemic By Christian Holub

The music of the Mountain Goats lives on stage. Fronted by John Darnielle, the North Carolina-based indie rockers have played more than 1,000 concerts over their multi-decade career. Live shows are "among the oldest things humans do," notes the 54-year-old singer. "To gather is a communal, spiritual, and arguably religious experience."

For bands residing in the middle to outer tiers of fame, touring has another component that is just as vital as the communal, spiritual, and religious — it is also an economic essential. So when COVID-19 vaccines started rolling out earlier this year, accompanied by reschedulings of delayed concerts and announcements of new tours, many were relieved. Superstars such as Drake and Taylor Swift can survive a delayed show or 200, but most artists — and the crews working for them — depend on concerts as their main source of income. Having few or none over the past 18 months has been brutal...(The full article is here.)

- September 22, 2021 - 

From our colleagues at ArtsReady:

News from HENTF, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force

FEMA Funding - Important News for Arts and Cultural Organizations
FEMA is now providing retroactive reimbursement for safe opening and operation costs incurred to address COVID safety for expenses incurred from Jan. 20, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021. Eligible private nonprofits can apply. Reimbursement is exclusive to COVID-19 emergency and major disaster declarations through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Items that may be eligible for reimbursement include face coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and disinfection, COVID-19 diagnostic testing, screening and temperature scanning and portable temporary physical barriers for social distancing. For more information, see COVID-19 Pandemic Safe Opening and Operation Work Eligible for Public Assistance Interim Policy (Version 2).9.8.21 Signed (fema.gov). Questions should be directed to a state’s FEMA regional office.

Disaster Impact Reports
HENTF, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, and its member organizations are gathering reports of damage to arts and cultural organizations following Ida, and Nicholas, and the California wildfires. According to HENTF Coordinator Lori Foley, “None of us, alone, can make much of a difference. But together, we can all help protect our threatened arts and cultural heritage as the Atlantic hurricane season shows no sign of abatement and the California wildfires continue to rage. We can’t provide assistance to cultural institutions and arts organizations if we don’t know who to reach out to.” If you experienced, or know of, damage to organizations or artists in LA, MS, AL, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, and CA, please share any reports of damage with HENTF.

Cultural Property Protection Conference
The Smithsonian National Conference on Cultural Property Protection will be held October 4–5. This virtual event will explore the future of cultural heritage protection and preservation. Topics include social unrest, training best practices, emergency response, new technologies in security, exhibit access and safety, and more. For details and to register for this event, go to natconf.si.edu.

New Resources

The Arts Organizations at a Crossroads Toolkit: Managing Transitions and Preserving Assets

Recently produced by the National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER), The Arts Organizations at a Crossroads Toolkit: Managing Transitions and Preserving Assets is a free, online resource. Over the last year, many arts and cultural organizations have found themselves at a crossroads of some sort. Recognizing that arts leaders do not always have the tools and information to weigh their options and make decisions in a proactive and thorough way, NCAPER has published The Toolkit which compiles guidance and material from highly-regarded sources from across the country into a clear, easy-to-navigate web-based resource.

The Arts Organizations at a Crossroads Toolkit: Managing Transitions and Preserving Assets guides arts leaders through three significant transitions they are likely to face during their organization’s life: structural shifts; the loss of key staff/leadership; and recognizing that the artistic and physical assets they’ve created are worthy of protection and preservation. Each of these ‘crossroads’ is addressed in a section of the Toolkit. “Guidance for Making Legal and Structural Choices” presents the various options for exploring a different type of structure, dormancy or closure. “Protecting Your Knowledge Assets” focuses on cross-training and implementing a system for capturing the knowledge of key individuals. A third area, one which has not been a priority for the sector, is preserving institutional and artistic legacies. “Managing and Preserving Your Legacy” offers tips from professional archivists, and from arts organizations which have taken steps to protect their assets and reputation.
Register for a free introductory webinar on September 23, 2:00PM ET.

An Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief, for Arts Organizations and Businesses, Artists and Cultural Workers
This guide has also just been published by NCAPER. An Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief demystifies federal disaster relief for the arts and culture sector by helping artists and arts organizations see what is available, understand clearly what is not available, and decide if pursuing federal aid is a good use of time.

The Field Guide gives a snapshot of federal disaster assistance programs that can go into effect after a presidentially declared disaster and focuses on longstanding programs that are likely to continue. It includes in-depth information about financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) along with introductory information about other federal resources that provide a mixture of financial and other assistance.

A Spanish translation of the Arts Field Guide is coming soon.

- September 22, 2021 - 

This article from the World Economic Forum discusses a study of how people used music during COVID-19 lockdowns:

How music helped people cope with COVID-19 stress

Beyond the immediate health risks of the Covid-19 pandemic, the containment measures it necessitates have brought with them a number of other stressors that can undermine individual and collective well-being.

As part of an international research project, the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics investigated whether musical engagement is an effective strategy for socio-emotional coping during lockdown.

The project team collected demographically representative samples from six countries on three continents during the first lockdown in April and May 2020. Over 5000 people from Germany, France, Great Britain, India, Italy, and the USA were asked in an online survey about how they engaged with music during the crisis. More than half of respondents reported using music to cope with emotional and social stressors.

“It’s worth noting that music itself wasn’t the coping aid, but rather, music-related behavior, specifically the ways people have adapted their musical behaviors during the crisis. In this regard, music listening and music making appear to provide different coping potentials,” explains Melanie Wald-Fuhrmann, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics.

People who experienced increased negative emotions due to the pandemic were found to engage with music primarily as a way to regulate depression, fear, and stress, especially via music listening. People who reported more positive emotions overall were found to use music largely as a replacement for social interaction. Not just music listening, but also music making gave them a sense of belonging to a community. Making music, moreover, served as a method for self-reflection...

Read the full article here.

- August 31, 2021 - 

From AP News:

Music industry weights vaccine mandates, but politics collide

The coronavirus vaccine gave the live entertainment industry hope for a rebound in 2021. Now, as COVID-19 cases surge and hospital beds fill up, it feels like March 2020 all over again.

Tom DeGeorge runs the popular Crowbar club in Tampa, Florida, that once hosted about 300 concerts a year, mostly touring bands. He managed to stay afloat and reopen last fall, hosting about six shows a month. But with cases surging in Florida, show cancellations have racked up and attendance has plummeted.

“The amount of people that are coming out right now is I’d say about 25, 30 percent of what it should be,” said DeGeorge. “I have a feeling that I’m probably going to lose the majority of my fall and winter calendar, but I’m basically already mentally prepared for the worst-case scenario.” Read more here.

- July 21, 2021 - 

On July 14, our colleagues at the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) hosted the webinar "Emergency Planning and Response, Texas-Style” with a discussion of response efforts following Polar Vortex Uri in February 2021 presented by Olivia Primanis from the Texas Collections Emergency Resource Alliance (TX-CERA) and Lauren Hainley from the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA).

Instructor - Olivia Primanis

Olivia Primanis received her training through an apprenticeship in hand book binding and book conservation beginning in 1974 with Jean Gunner at Hunt Botanical Library, Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh. Pa. In 1975 she founded and was the sole proprietor of "The Bookbinder" that offered artists' supplies, hand bookbinding (for area institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh Rare Book Collections) and classes in hand book binding. In 1984 she moved to Los Angeles, CA where she taught book conservation and consulted for area institutions, including The Clark Library (UCLA); Scripps College (Claremont) and the Getty Center and Museum. Following the L.A. Public Library fire, she consulted with Solex Inc on the drying of 160,000 books. From 1990 until January 2019, she held the position of Head of the Book Lab (Senior Conservator since 1991) at the Ransom Center, University of Texas, Austin, where she performed conservation treatments, trained staff and interns, lectured, and participated in the administration of the Conservation Department. At this time, she is consulting on library preservation, performing book conservation treatments in her private business and, as a founding member, taking an active role in the activities of Texas Collections Emergency Response Alliance (TX-CERA).

Instructor - Lauren Hainley

Lauren Hainley is the Director of Disaster Service at the Houston Arts Alliance where she ensures that the Houston area arts, culture, and historic preservation communities are ready and resilient in the face of disaster. Lauren received a BA in Theater from Hendrix College and an MA in Arts Leadership from the University of Houston. Lauren has been active in the Houston theater community as an actor, stage manager, and director since 1992.  Find out more about Lauren, her work, and her projects at laurenhainley.com.

A recording of this webinar is available from FAIC here.

- July 12, 2021 - 

Grow, Invest, Gather fund for Midwestern presenting organizations

Arts Midwest is offering grants to Midwestern presenting organizations with their Grow, Invest, Gather (GIG) grand fund:

WHAT: The GIG Fund is a flexible grant of $2,500 that helps organizations bring touring artists into their community.

WHEN: Applications are due October 5, 2021, and funded projects must occur between January – June 2022.

WHERE: Nonprofit organizations located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.

WHO: This funding is available to not-for-profit arts organizations looking to present a touring artist. Additional funds are available for organizations presenting Indigenous performing artists.

Program guidelines and application are here.

A webinar for interested applicants will be held on August 10, 2021 at 11am Central. Click here to register.

- July 9, 2021 -

From our colleagues at Dance/USA:

Dance/USA Releases New Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Dance Field

As a result of the current pandemic, the arts and cultural sector, especially the dance field, has been one of the hardest hit industries. Dance organizations were among the first to shutter performance venues and will be among the last industries to resume operations and recover. Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance, today released a new report, The Impact of COVID-19 on the Field of Dance: Part II, examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dance sector in the United States.  

In March 2020 Dance/USA launched a survey to assess the initial impact of the pandemic on the dance field. Today’s follow-up study measures the actual effects of COVID-19 and reflects the experiences of dance organizations and individuals working in dance.   

“This new report reflects just how devastating COVID-19 has been on the dance field,” commented Dance/USA Executive Director Kellee Edusei. “The results also show that federal relief programs were vital and financially sustained many in the dance community during the height of the pandemic. Additionally, the report demonstrates just how resilient and creative the dance field is. Many took this opportunity to reimagine new pathways forward, and this is why the performing arts sector will recover renewed and refreshed.”

“While dancemakers and dance organizations are hanging on and will rebound, it will take time to recover,” said Dance/USA Director of Research Shakira Segundo. “As the field recovers, I am excited to see what will come and how dancemakers evolve to reach new audiences.”

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Field of Dance: Part II is divided into two sections. The first focuses on dance organizations including dance companies, presenters, dance schools, and dance service organizations; and the second examines individuals working in dance such as dancers, choreographers, and independent arts professionals. Key findings include:

• The majority of dance company respondents reported a decline in ticket sales of more than 74%. 
• The number of pre-recorded and virtual productions increased by more than 250%.
• The areas of greatest concern for dance organizations include re-opening, regaining or achieving financial stability, and bringing employees and audiences back safely.
• The impact of the pandemic has been exceptionally critical on individuals in the dance field.
• The most urgent need as expressed by individuals working in dance was access to mental health resources. That was closely followed by support for their physical health and maintenance, and access to IT equipment and resources.
• 46% of individual respondents reported that they applied for unemployment.
• Approximately 80% of individual respondents reported they were unemployed during the pandemic and 50% of individual respondents are still not back to work yet.

Dance/USA’s goal in administering this survey and analysis of the field is to be able to make the necessary connections between individuals and organizations in the field, to provide access to needed resources, and continue to advocate on behalf of the field for much needed relief.

To access both the initial study and the follow-up findings, please find the materials on the Dance/USA website here. 

About Dance/USA 
Propelled by our belief that dance can inspire a more just and humane world, Dance/USA will amplify the power of dance to inform and inspire a nation where creativity and the field thrive.

Established in 1982, Dance/USA champions an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations.  Dance/USA’s core programs are focused in the areas of engagement, advocacy, research, and preservation. Learn more about Dance/USA at danceusa.org.

- May 18, 2021 -

From our colleagues at the National Independent Venue Association and Event Safety Alliance:

SAFE IN SOUND: A REOPENING CHECKLIST FOR THE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

As people in the U.S. continue to get vaccinated and cities and states begin to reopen, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Event Safety Alliance (ESA), in partnership with Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), Coalition of Performing Arts Centers, and National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) have joined together to research, create and present “Safe In Sound,” a reopening checklist for the live entertainment industry. This toolkit was developed after consultation with the CDC and based on the most up-to-date guidance and resources available at Guidance for COVID-19 | CDC. It serves as the framework for venues and promoters to reopen fully as safely as possible.

"‘Safe In Sound’ compiles expansive yet easily digestible information and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts and delivers it in a form tailored specifically for our industry,” said Sean Lynch, co-chair of NIVA’s Reopening Task Force. “As we return to these vital social environments, we need to make sure it’s done safely and comfortably for artists, staff, and patrons alike. We can’t wait to return to work and provide the live entertainment experience so many have missed.”
The checklist addresses every major issue involved in producing a safe live event, both front of house and back of house.

The checklist is available for download here.

- May 17, 2021 -

The National Risk Index (NRI)

From our colleagues at FEMA:

"The National Risk Index (The Index) is an online tool to help illustrate the nation’s communities most at risk of natural hazards. It is made possible through a collaboration between FEMA and dozens of partners in academia; local, state and federal government; and private industry.

The Index leverages best available source data to provide a holistic view of community-level risk nationwide by combining multiple hazards with socioeconomic and built environment factors. It calculates a baseline relative risk measurement for each United States county and census tract for 18 natural hazards, based on Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience.

The Index is intended to help users better understand the natural hazard risk of their respective areas or communities. Intended users include planners and emergency managers at the local, regional, state and federal levels, as well as other decision makers and interested members of the general public. With improved understanding of natural hazard risk, communities can take action to reduce it."

The Index may be found here.

- May 6, 2021 -

Reopening Guides and Related Resources

As performing arts venues reopen to in-person audiences across the U.S., the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs has provided a list of reopening guides and related resources on their Coronavirus Resources webpage:

American Repertory Theater Roadmap for Recovery and Resilience for Theater:
https://americanrepertorytheater.org/roadmap-for-recovery-and-resilience-for-theater/

Artnet News: “How Should a Museum Reopen in a Post-COVID World? Here Is Everything You Need to Know to Do It Safely, According to Experts”: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/museum-reopening-table-1867743?mc_cid=9729d1e888&mc_eid=2c2b135b21

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) - “Guidance for Building Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic”: https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/ashrae%20journal/2020journaldocuments/72-74_ieq_schoen.pdf

Association of Zoos & Aquariums Reopening Webinar Series: https://www.aza.org/webinars

Cushman & Wakefield - “Recovery Readiness: A How-to Guide For Reopening Your Workplace”: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/insights/covid-19/recovery-readiness-a-how-to-guide-for-reopening-your-workplace

The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/esa-reopening-guide

Facilities Health: https://facilitieshealth.com/

The Global Association for the Attractions Industry Reopening Guidance: Considerations for the Attractions Industry: https://www.iaapa.org/reopening-guidance-considerations-attractions-industry

Museum Association of New York - Re-Opening Museums: https://nysmuseums.org/COVID19resources#reopening

National Endowment for the Arts - “The Road Forward”: Review the publication.

NYC Museums Reopening Task Force Guidelines: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dcla/downloads/pdf/NYC-Museum-Reopening-TaskForce-COVID-19-Guidelines-Reopening-NYCMuseums.pdf

Performing Arts Center Consortium Guide to Reopening Theatrical Venues: https://www.ams-analytics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PACC_Reopening_Advisory-Draft-Ver4.pdf

Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Information Hub: A COVID-19 Research Project: https://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/COVID-19-research-project.html

Additional resources are on the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Coronavirus Resources webpage.

- April 29, 2021 -

Shuttered Venue Operators Guide (SVOG)

The U.S. Small Business Administration has established the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) to provide over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

From the American’s for the Arts Action Fund:

Arts Action Fund List of Key Eligibility Guidelines for SVO Grants:

1. Definition Eligibility: For live venue operators, producers, and live performing arts organization operators, you need to show that at least 70% of 2019 earned revenue comes from ticket sales, production fees, nonprofit education initiatives or sale of food & beverage.
2. Minimum Loss Eligibility: For live venue operators, producers, and live performing arts organization operators, museums and movie theaters, you need to show at least a 25% reduction in gross earned revenue during at least one quarter of 2020 as compared to the corresponding quarter in 2019.
3. Federal Grants Eligibility: For live venue operators, producers, and live performing arts organization operators, museums and movie theaters, you need to show that no more than 10% of your 2019 gross revenue comes from Federal funding. (This does not include CARES Act funding for things like PPP, etc)
4. Priority Grants Eligibility: For live venue operators, producers, and live performing arts organization operators, museums and movie theaters, you need to show at least a 90%, 70% or 25% loss in earned income for the period from 4/1/20 through 12/31/20, as compared to the same period in 2019.
5. Size of SVO Grant Award Eligibility: For live venue operators, producers, and live performing arts organization operators, museums and movie theaters in operation by 1/1/19, you can apply for 45% of your 2019 gross earned revenue, up to a $10 million cap.

The SVOG application and more information is here.

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- April 7, 2021 -

Your Guide to Music and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Center for Music Ecosystems, a new global NGO dedicated to understanding and advancing music ecosystems to foster more sustainable communities has launched Your Guide to Music and the SDGs, the most expansive report ever written linking music - in all its forms and functions, to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Written in collaboration with UN Agencies and debuted by the  UN SDG Action Campaign,  the detailed Guide outlines the role that music plays across each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and describes examples from around the world.

The Guide is available for all to download and read at https://www.centerformusicecosystems.com/sdgs.

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- February 18, 2021 -

Winter Weather Recovery Tips for Texas and Southern Arts Organizations

Performing Arts Readiness staff members are closely monitoring the winter storm and power outages that are affecting Texas this week.  If your performing arts organization has questions about topics such as winterizing your building or recovering from storm damage, please contact PAR Project Director Tom Clareson at [email protected] or 800-999-8558, ext. 2911.

Here are some initial tips for building and personal safety during the current crisis:

• When it is possible for you or your colleagues to do this safely (both due to inclement weather and health conditions), do an interior and exterior building walk-through and perimeter walk to determine if there has been any damage to your facility. PAR and LYRASIS have a number of documents available on what to watch for as you are doing these building inspections.
• If you own your building or are a tenant, please have your facilities staff, utilities contractors, or landlord look at these areas:
  • Roof (for leaks and weight-bearing)
  • Below-grade or basement levels (for foundation damage or leaks)
  • Outbuildings or offsite storage facilities
  • Pest management (insects, rodents, snakes, and other animals may come into buildings for warmth, water, and food)
  • Frozen pipes: Pipes in unoccupied buildings or unheated areas such as attics, ceilings, and crawlspaces should be drained when possible.  Insulate pipes in exterior walls and monitor them for freezing.  During extreme cold, leave cabinet drawers under sinks open if they are on an outside wall to let warmth from the room closer to the pipes.
  • Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and thermostats: Make sure air intakes or outflows are not blocked by snow or covered by ice.  Check to see that they are operating normally or reach out to your HVAC contractor for assistance.
• Call 211 for City Services in your area to find warming centers and other resources; have telephone numbers for utilities close at hand in case shutoff is needed; and have disaster recovery vendor information and phone numbers close by.
• Check with your insurance agent to see if losses from snow, burst popes, and other storm-related damage are covered under your current policies.
• Personal safety suggestions include, for those without heat, “blanket-wrapping” – putting a blanket over your head and wrapping it around your shoulders and arms to capture the heat coming off of your head.
• We always suggest working with your Local Arts Agency and local Emergency Management Agency first; if you need further assistance, please contact PAR or one of our regional, state, or national partners.
• Houston Arts Alliance is a long-time partner with PAR and has helpful information and services when any type of disaster strikes. When power stabilizes, please check their website at houstonartsalliance.com or www.ready.haatx.com for information on local disaster recovery options and their Greater Houston Area Arts Relief Fund page to help local artists and organizations affected by disasters.
• TX-CERA (Texas Collections Emergency Resource Alliance) is an excellent statewide information source on Emergency Recovery in Texas. Please reach them at txcera.org.
• Nationally, our Partners NCAPER (The National Coalition on Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response) at ncaper.org and CERF+, the Artists Safety Net, at www.cerfplus.org have additional resources for arts organizations and individual artists affected by disasters.

# # #

- February 1, 2021 -

Our colleagues at Arts Midwest  have developed the GIG (Grow, Invest, Gather) Fund to provide support to Midwestern arts organizations as they re-build and re-imagine during the continued uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

Grants of $2,500 will support costs associated with engaging artists in community experiences as safely as possible given the current circumstances of the pandemic. Grants can be also allocated be towards capacity building work. Applications are due on May 3rd, 2021. 

 More information is here.

# # #

- February 1, 2021 -

For Immediate Release

Gretna Music Announces Gretna Arts Safety Plan (GASP)

Media Contact: Mika E. Cook, Grant Coordinator, Phone: 717-361-1508, Email address: [email protected]

Mt. Gretna, PA – Gretna Music and the Pennsylvania Chautauqua are spearheading the development  of a safety network called the Gretna Arts Safety Plan (GASP). GASP will focus on making Mt. Gretna a safer place for visitors and residents though disaster prevention and preparation as well as safety trainings.

The grant was awarded by the Performing Arts Readiness project and funded by the Andrew. W. Mellon Foundation. Through this grant, Mt. Gretna organizations involved in arts and events, with assistance from the Mt. Gretna Borough, Mt. Gretna Fire Department, Lebanon Department of Emergency Services, and Western Lebanon County Regional Emergency Management Agency are developing a comprehensive plan. Others orgs. involved include: Gretna Theatre, Mt. Gretna School of Art, Mt Gretna Bible Festival, Campmeeting Association, Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society, and Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show.

"This grant is helping organizations come together and focus on making safety a priority and help us be prepared for worst case scenarios. All involved with GASP want to make sure our patrons and local Mt. Gretnans know we care about their well-being and we are doing all that we can to create safe environments to participate in the arts" says Mika E. Cook, the grant coordinator.

Evacuation plans, communication alerts, weather disaster plans, first aid, fire extinguisher training, and Covid-19 safety compliance, are among the areas identified by GASP that are being worked on.

The mission statement of GASP is: Through an earnest commitment to safety and preparedness, our organizations will work to create a secure and proactive environment for the residents and visitors of Mt. Gretna by educating leaders on safety and implementing art preparedness plans.

If you are interested in more information or being involved with GASP, please contact Mika Cook at [email protected]  or 717-361-1508.

# # #

- January 26, 2021 -

The Peabody Institute will present the free virtual symposium "The Next Normal: Arts Innovation and Resilience in a Post-COVID World" on February 10, 2021. Arts industry leaders will explore the path forward for artists and organizations and the long-term, post-COVID landscape for the performing arts.

More information is here: https://bit.ly/3qfjG3C

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- January 21, 2021 -

Our colleagues at The Duluth Playhouse have created two documents that outline their health and safety procedures for re-opening for in-person performances and classes during the current COVID-19 health crisis. These documents are good models for other theaters that are preparing to open their doors to audiences and students. These are external documents that can be viewed outside of the Playhouse. Your internal health and safety procedures should have more detailed information for situations such as dealing with non-cooperative audience members.

Their Safety and Health Plan lists procedures for staff, performers, and audiences during live performances and rehearsals. The document may be downloaded from this page.

Their Safety Guidelines for Classes outlines protocols for in-person classes based on the recommendations from the MN Department of Health and CDC. The document may be downloaded from this page.

Please feel free to adapt the content of these document to the specific needs of your organization. Duluth Playhouse is a PAR Emergency Network leader for the Northern Minnesota Group.

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- December 22, 2020 -

On December 21, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed a $900 billion COVID stimulus bill that includes $15 billion in grants for live venues and theaters as part of the Save Our Stages Act.

From Rolling Stone: “While the Covid-19 pandemic has rattled numerous industries, venues have been in a particularly perilous spot because many were not able to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses contained in the CARES Act, which passed in March. Forgiveness on those loans hinged on businesses spending 75% on payroll, but for shuttered venues, there were few to no employees and thus no payroll to cover. That left venues with no revenue and massive overhead.” The full article is here.

From the website of Senator Amy Klobuchar:

“The Save Our Stages Act would:

• Narrowly define independent live venue operators, promoters, and talent representatives to prevent large, international corporations from receiving federal grant funding
• Direct the SBA to make grants to eligible venues equal to the lesser of either 45 percent of operation costs from calendar year 2019 or $12 million
• Allow the Small Business Administrator to issue supplemental grants in the future if funding remains available and applicants can demonstrate need
• Permit recipients to use grants for costs incurred during the COVID pandemic
• Require recipients to return remaining funding after one year from the date of disbursement
• Permit recipients to use grants for rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, PPE procurement, payments to contractors, regular maintenance, administrative costs, taxes, operating leases, and capital expenditures related to meeting state, local, or federal social distancing guidelines
• Authorize the appropriation of $10 billion for the grant program

The full post is here.

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- November 20, 2020 -

Our colleagues at Valley Arts and Entertainment will rebroadcast the The 7th Annual Alabama Women in Jazz Festival on Facebook Live on November 28^th at 6pm CST. The festival was presented virtually in September will give viewers an opportunity to view performances by Ginetta’s Vendetta©, Anisha Rush, Hope Clayburn, Ruby Camille, Yuressa Shonta, with host Wellington Bullings

Valley Arts and Entertainment received support from the PAR project and Majestic Collaborations through the Art of Mass Gatherings program to assist with the virtualization of their in-person annual festival. More information is here.

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- October 30, 2020 - (The following content was prepared in association with our partners at Majestic Collaborations in response to concerns about potential civil unrest in the U.S.)

Preparedness for Civil Unrest

In the past year, some arts and cultural venues have experienced destructive acts to their building. These community centers have often been at the flash point of civil unrest that surround them, and sometimes targeted because of what they represent. We all share the values of civil rights and peaceful protest. With these values in mind, we wanted to put forward a quick and shareable resource about preparedness for your organization as we come into November, that helps provide guidance for what people who exert control over physical space can do to contribute to creating a safe environment for all. Our preparedness plan focuses on three main steps–assess, prepare, implement—that you and your team can take to prepare in times of civil unrest. We hope these steps will act as a useful guide to ensure the safety of your staff and organization. 
The first step is to assess your organization’s situation. Ask yourself what happened the last time there was civil unrest in your area and use those lessons to inform your actions. Ensure you conduct a site walk through, communicate with neighbors, locate and update important information, and secure or relocate your assets.

ASSESS

1. Security & Fire: Ensure cameras, locks, alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers are fully functional;
2. Hazards: Walk your site, making note of dumpsters, planters, rocks, and flammables;
3. Recent Past: Use lessons learned from previous events to prioritize actions now;
4. Neighbors: Learn about their concerns and plans for civil unrest.

It is also important to engage in preventative measures to prepare your organization. Scheduling additional security for the day of a protest or election day is a good step in preparing your site. For the safety of your staff, communicate the plan to all staff members and ensure everyone is involved. Practice by sending test communications and running lockdown and evacuation drills.

PREPARE

1. Remove: Remove projectiles such as rocks, planters, stanchions, trash cans, as well as obstructions to security camera sightlines;
2. Purchase & Contract: Plywood or window film to protect windows, graffiti removal supplies, additional security, and perimeter fencing;
3. Relocate: Irreplaceable art, records, and expensive equipment offsite or to interior, locked rooms;
4. Plan, Practice, & Update: Plan and practice for building lockdowns and evacuations, and ensure staff, first responders, and security contacts and protocols are up to date.

Once you’ve created a plan, be ready to implement it. It’s better to have a plan in place for evacuation or lockdown that didn’t end up necessary than to have wished you had. Don’t be afraid to take precautions and prioritize the safety of your staff and organization.

IMPLEMENT

1. Remain Calm: Having a clear head will help you adapt in quickly changing situations
2. Prioritize Staff Safety: Ensure staff members are not present at highly volatile times
3. Stay Informed: Monitor local news  sources and the social media accounts of local and state officials
4. Act!: Be ready to call a shelter in place, lockdown, or evacuation, and safely call for medical attention for people you observe in need

Please consider sharing this guide with venues and performing arts and cultural organizations. We welcome feedback and discussion. If you would like to get future updates on preparedness and skill sharing in arts and cultural communities please reach out to [email protected]. If you would like more information about The Art Of Mass Gatherings or Modifications & Virtualizations for Performing Arts please contact: [email protected]

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- September 24, 2020 - 
From our colleagues at Sound Diplomacy:

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- June 16, 2020 - 

Our colleagues at the Performing Arts Center Consortium have created the "Guide to Reopening Theatrical Venues" recognizing that until a COVID-19 vaccine and/or effective therapeutics become widely available, it may be many months before we can return to the mass gathering venues as we once were. The Guide will assist performing arts centers develop viable reopening plans that are tailored to their unique venues: Download PDF here.

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- March 9, 2020 -

Our colleagues at Americans for the Arts have posted the article, "Arts and Culture Sector Can Prepare for the Coronavirus in the United States":

"Like most of you, Americans for the Arts has been watching the breaking news about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and we are seeing inquiries coming in from the field and through our national service organization colleagues. While gathering and sharing pertinent information, we are also working to understand the long-term effect on arts and culture activities from performance to festivals, touring artists, and school field trips... more information here"

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- January 30, 2020 -

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Tom Clareson, Project Director, Performing Arts Readiness, [email protected], 800.999.8558 x 2911

LYRASIS Receives Phase 2 Funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to Continue Performing Arts Readiness Project

Atlanta, GA - January 17, 2020 - The Performing Arts Readiness project is pleased to announce that the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded a second round of funding to LYRASIS to support a second phase of the project. The new grant targets $2.3 million toward this next phase, which will build upon the core goal of strengthening resiliency among performing arts organizations by improving emergency preparedness practices. The new grant targets $2.3 million toward this second phase, which will build upon the core goal of strengthening resiliency among performing arts organizations by improving emergency preparedness practices.

Over the past several years, the United States has seen numerous performing arts organizations impacted and in some cases their work halted because of environmental emergencies such as fires, hurricanes, flooding and more, as well as by man-made crises. This grant is designed to create awareness and develop preparedness plans in advance of disasters, so that recovery is quicker and more efficient, and to provide information and resources for recovery when crises strike.

The first phase of the Performing Arts Readiness (PAR) project conducted extensive outreach to the performing arts community, including emergency preparedness presentations, webinars, and live workshops; provided online planning tools and case studies; offered six regional "Circuit Rider" mentoring programs to support local adoption of best practices; and awarded 41 grants to assist organizations in developing disaster plans and 10 grants to build networks among arts and culture organizations and first responders.  In addition, PAR staff worked with organizations impacted by disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and more.

The second phase will continue the work conducted in phase one and will also include:

• • New outreach to university graduate-degree programs in arts management and administration, to encourage inclusion of emergency preparedness as part of their curricula.
  • A focus on safety, security, and environmental issues at performing arts and music festivals.
  • Expansion of information resources (models, best practices, templates, etc.), educational programs, online planning tools, and subgrants to enable organizations of different types and sizes to create emergency or continuity of operations plans and train staff and volunteers in their use.
  • Growing local community-based support and capacity for emergency preparedness and recovery through mentoring via five new Circuit Riders, hosted by local arts and culture organizations.
  • Perform research into field needs and opportunities around preparedness, response and recovery to form a sustainability plan for PAR that integrates support and action among partners and other organizations committed to strengthening cultural arts and heritage in the U.S.

"With support from the Mellon Foundation, LYRASIS, and our project partners, the Performing Arts Readiness project has helped many organizations learn about recent developments in emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, and archiving of their business and historic organizational records.  We are pleased to be able to continue and expand our service to the community and address new areas around festival safety and arts administration education activities," said Performing Arts Readiness Project Director Tom Clareson.

In addition to LYRASIS, partners engaged in PAR through the project's Steering Committee are the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts, Intermuseum Conservation Association, International Association of Blacks in Dance, Midwest Art Conservation Center, National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness and Emergency Response, National Performance Network/Visual Artists Network, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Northeast Document Conservation Center, South Arts, and Western Arts Alliance.

Please direct any inquiries about PAR's upcoming Circuit Riders, grants, or other programs to: [email protected].

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- June 6, 2019 -

"The Art of Mass Gatherings" symposium will take place in Denver, CO on June 6. This event will educate and empower our colleagues to prepare for and respond to various types of emergencies, including natural, manmade, and technical disasters.

Through a curated curriculum and specific skill-sharing opportunities, this symposium will embrace a whole community approach to event safety and preparedness and will offer suggestions and solutions to enhance events and gatherings. The symposium will feature experts from around the country as they present one case study, six on-site tours, and five short, fast-paced presentations. Symposium hosts coordinated with PrideFest organizers to allow on-site learning during the festival; this will allow presenters to highlight the festival’s emergency plan and gain insights about how an event can both excel and mature while developing a complete emergency preparedness plan.

More information is here.

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- May 23, 2019 -

The New Jersey Cultural Alliance for Response (NJCAR) invites New Jersey arts, history, and cultural organizations to learn more about the Alliance, build networks, and find resources to better prepare their organizations for emergencies both large and small. Three regional kickoff meetings have been scheduled: 6/10/19 (Central Jersey), 6/12/19 (North Jersey), 6/17/19 (South Jersey). More information about NJCAR and these three meetings is at: https://njculturalalliance.wixsite.com/njcar/single-post/2019/05/17/NJCAR-Regional-Kick-Off-Meetings

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- March 11, 2019 -

The PAR project has seen a strong growing interest in training on Active Shooter situations from Performing Arts organizations. We are working in a number of states to match interested performing arts groups with Active Shooter training providers.  Please contact us at [email protected] if you need this information for your organization. Ready Houston has created a widely-utilized training video called "Run. Hide. Fight." that contains survival strategies for active shooter events.

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- March 4, 2019 -

Article: "Houston Arts Alliance Helps Artists and Organizations Get Ready & Resilient"

Hurricane Harvey dumped some 15 trillion gallons of water on the Bayou City, creating havoc for the Downtown theater district, along with many artists and arts organizations. Hurricane season in Texas lasts June thru November, although in recent years, it seems like it never leaves us. Mentally, it is a year-round event, as all those in the region still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey over a year later will attest.

The Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is partnering with Galveston Historical Foundation on a regional arts preparedness and recovery system funded in part by the Houston Endowment. The Houston Area Arts and History Disaster Resilience Plan will help artists prepare for the next sudden and/or historic event. HAA will also focus on building up their website as an evergreen resource for artists to access at any time and facilitate preparedness workshops when hurricane season looms again.

Read the full article here and visit HAA’s new Disaster Resilience website for readiness and resilience resources to learn more.

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- November 26, 2018 - For immediate release, Contact: Eric Covey, 802-828-2148

Vermont Secretary of State’s Office and Vermont Arts Council Receive Emergency Preparedness Grant

Montpelier, VT – Secretary of State Jim Condos and State Archivist Tanya Marshall announced today that the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office, in collaboration with the Vermont Arts Council, has been awarded a $15,000 grant to develop a statewide emergency preparedness and response network for Vermont-based performing arts and cultural heritage organizations. Funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation through the Performing Arts Readiness Project, the grant will be administered by the Vermont Historical Records Program of the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration.

“Vermont’s performing arts and cultural heritage organizations play a vital role in the promotion and preservation of our unique history and cultural institutions,” said Secretary Condos. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to work alongside our partners to ensure we have the preparedness measures in place to help prevent the loss of these valuable assets in a worst case scenario.”

Vermont native and accomplished arts management consultant Mary Margaret Schoenfeld will lead the effort and work with various organizations to develop the network and services offered, as well as a sustainability plan. The statewide emergency preparedness and response network is anticipated to be introduced at a forum next summer.

The mission of the Vermont Historical Records Program (VHRP) is to improve public access to and engagement with Vermont historical records and to encourage and facilitate collaborative efforts among Vermont historical records repositories. The Vermont Arts Council envisions a Vermont where all people have access to the arts and creativity in their lives, education, and communities.

Performing arts organizations can be especially vulnerable to disasters and emergencies of all kinds, resulting in destabilizing or catastrophic loss of income and assets. The Performing Arts Readiness project helps organizations nationwide learn how to protect their assets, sustain operations, and be prepared for emergencies. The project includes outreach and engagement efforts, the development and dissemination of information resources and online toolkits, mentoring programs, and grants such as the one awarded to Vermont.

For additional information about VHRP or the statewide emergency preparedness and response network, contact VHRP Coordinator Rachel Onuf at [email protected] or 802-828-2204.

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- November 15, 2018 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Will Wright, Chief Creative Officer, Office: 409-765-3404, [email protected]

HOUSTON ARTS ALLIANCE & GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REGIONAL ARTS PREPAREDNESS SYSTEM: GHF and HAA to Engage the Entire Arts Community in Creating Plan for the Next Sudden, Historic Disruption

Galveston Island, Texas, November 15, 2018—Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) and Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) today announced the start of a planning process for a regional arts preparedness and recovery system. With input from the larger arts and culture community and with grants from Houston Endowment, HAA and GHF will create coordinated programs to help arts and cultural organizations and individual artists in the ten-county region prepare for the next sudden or historic disruption. When the effort is successful, the work may also serve as a model for other arts preparedness planning efforts statewide and nationally.

After both Hurricanes Ike and Harvey, the arts and cultural organizations and individual artists comprising the region’s largely non-profit sector suffered losses and faced challenges to recover as never before. Hurricane Harvey especially highlighted the lack of a coordinated response and recovery system in place for arts organizations.

“There is a critical need to develop a model network for communication and education that would enhance all emergency planning, response, and recovery,” said Dwayne Jones, Executive Director of Galveston Historical Foundation and a longtime leader in cultural response and recovery for the region.

According to national research, Houston’s cultural economy is valued at $1.1. billion. It’s estimated that there are more than 1,000 arts and cultural organizations in the region and that culture supports 26,000 full-time jobs and generates $801.6 million in household income locally.

“It is crucial for our community to prepare for future disasters in order to minimize damage to Houston’s robust cultural economy,” said John Abodeely, CEO of Houston Arts Alliance. “Given its scale, creating resilience is an economic imperative, as well as a moral one.”

This new collectively led and community-driven planning process—with input from a robust Advisory Committee composed of artists, arts managers, and public officials—will seek to understand how the region is vulnerable and what must be done to assure its long-term security. This deep dive into the region’s creative sector will include large and small institutions, artists, philanthropists, public sector officials, leaders of cultural districts, and others. The resulting plan for resilience will ensure Houston is ready to act on behalf of the entire region’s incredible diversity.

“We hope that members of the arts sector will be able to draw on one another’s lessons learned from both Harvey and Ike to strengthen the resilience of the entire arts ecosystem,” said Long Chu, program officer at Houston Endowment, which will remain engaged throughout the planning process.

Additionally, the project will collect contact information from arts and cultural organizations throughout the region. Information collected will be stored in a database for program managers to send detailed communications before, during, and after disasters to the region’s creative economy. Pre-disaster recommendations as well as resources for post-disaster needs will be part of a larger regional communications plan, all intended to keep organizations connected to the resources and information needed in crucial times. Individual assistance, as well as regional meetings will result in a more resilient arts and cultural community in the region.

For more information on the Greater Houston-Galveston Arts and Cultural Response and Recovery Program, contact John Abodeely at 713-527-9330 or [email protected] or contact program manager Bekah Guedry at 409-765-3403 or [email protected].

ABOUT HOUSTON ARTS ALLIANCE

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture agency that enhances the quality of life in Houston by advancing the arts, the working lives of artists, and the operations of cultural nonprofits. HAA helps artists and arts organizations create bold work; collect and disseminate data about the arts; connect communities to creative experiences; and incubate innovation. The Houston Arts Alliance executes special projects to meet the needs of the arts community, as needs arise. HAA also runs two primary programs: Grants + Capacity Building and Civic Art + Design, which includes the City of Houston’s public art and arts grants initiatives. Currently, HAA is executing disaster resilience trainings for artists and nonprofits with support from Performing Arts Readiness project, Rebuild Texas, Southwest Airlines, and several Houston philanthropists. Visit them online at www.houstonartsalliance.com.

ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

GHF was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization created in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day. They can be found online at www.galvestonhistory.org.

For more information, please contact Will Wright, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Chief Creative Officer at 409-765-3404 or [email protected].

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- November 14, 2018 - from CERF+: "As we continue to hear about the impact of the wildfires in California, CERF+ is reaching out to artists and arts organizations in affected communities to provide emergency relief and useful recovery resources." More information is here.

- November 13, 2018: Press Release from the Oregon Historical Society: "The Portland Alliance for Response Receives Performing Arts Readiness Grant" - Portland Alliance for Response, a local network of arts and culture institutions, including Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Symphony, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Portland Art Museum, Lewis and Clark College, Portland State University, and Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, is pleased to announce that we have received a grant from Performing Arts Readiness, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Portland Alliance for Response works with local cultural institutions, first responders, and emergency managers in the Portland, Oregon, metro area to develop relationships that foster mutual understanding. The grant will allow the Alliance to expand its reach to include performing arts organizations in a cooperative network to safeguard our cultural heritage and artistic legacy through effective communication and coordination of disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts.

Over the next several months, we will work with a consultant to create an organizational structure and strategic goals. Our planning process will culminate in a networking event in 2019 to build membership from a broad array of performing arts organizations, libraries, archives, museums, emergency management agencies, and first response services.

Press Contact: Shawna Gandy, Library Director, Oregon Historical Society, 503.306.5265 (desk), [email protected]

- November 13, 2018: Emergency Preparedness 101 is a half-day workshop presented on December 13 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s Alloy Studios in Pittsburgh, PA. This session is designed for organizations of all sizes with varying years of operation, and at all stages of preparedness planning. We will cover an intro to disaster and business continuity planning, risk assessment exercises, information on the PAR project, as well as other available resources. More information and registration details are here.

- October, 2018: New Jersey State Council on the Arts Names Allison Tratner as Executive Director: TRENTON, N.J. - The New Jersey State Council on the Arts has named Allison Tratner as the new Executive Director. The final vote confirming Ms. Tratner as the Executive Director was made yesterday during the Council's public meeting at Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood. (The full press release from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts is here. )

- October, 2018: "Houston Arts Alliance: Disasters won't bully us again" Harvey wrought $56 million in disaster-related damages to artists and arts organizations last year. Despite tough lessons learned, most artists and arts and history organizations in the Houston area remain unprepared for the next disaster... (The full article is on the Houston Chronicle website here.)

- October, 2018: "Puerto Rico: After the Storm" Ramón H. Rivera-Servera has spearheaded an innovative outreach initiative to assist Puerto Rican artists in the aftermath of last fall’s devastating hurricane. With a personal and professional foundation in performance and creation, Rivera-Servera homed in on this population: art makers and scholars who because of the storm were displaced, no longer able to work, or suddenly without the financial support that once sustained them. He decided to establish a residency and mentorship program for Puerto Rican artists to create, teach, and research on both the island and the mainland... (The full article is on the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation website here.)

- September 11, 2018: Here are some additional links and tips for preparing for Hurricane Florence:
- For tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane, go to https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
- Download FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/113297.
- Familiarize yourself with the disaster declaration process in case one is declared for your state, https://www.fema.gov/disaster-declaration-process.
- Track the storm via the National Hurricane Center, https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
- Monitor information via GEMA, http://www.gema.ga.gov/.

- September 10, 2018 - From our colleagues at ArtsReady:
ArtsReady Alert
Hurricane Florence is approaching the US East Coast, and will likely have landfall Thursday or Friday. Residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia should anticipate impact and prepare accordingly. If you have an ArtsReady/readiness plan, we hope that triggering it into action provides you with the ability to prepare for the storm. If not, we encourage you to take a few basic steps to prepare your office/venue/studio for the potential impact before departing for your personal preparation - unless you are under an evacuation order, in which case you should follow the instructions of local/state officials immediately.

If you aren’t in the hurricane’s path, please use this time to take a look at your own readiness planning in the event of a future emergency. Visit ArtsReady to start or build upon your readiness plan; sign up for free webinars on a variety of readiness and disaster planning offered through the Performing Arts Readiness project; and sign up to get regular information on grants, trainings and programs to improve your organization’s readiness and resiliency (much of this project’s content is relevant to arts organizations and artists of all disciplines).

Be Prepared! Please use and share the following resources to ensure you are ready:

HENFT Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Cultural Institutions

Cerf+'s Resources for Artists:
Hurricane - Studio Readiness
Flood - Studio Readiness
Studio Evacuation

A few additional tips for arts organizations:

• • • Assign a readiness/emergency leader for your organization through whom all communications and information should be relayed. Decide who makes the decision about suspending operations/events, and how those decisions are communicated.
    • Ensure you can carry out banking activity remotely, and that staff can work remotely if your offices/facility are inaccessible.
    • If practical, de-install exhibits that may be threatened by weather or water and remove to a safer location.
    • Secure outdoor sculptures, furniture, bike racks, signage, etc. – anything that can become a projectile in strong winds.
    • Move costumes, scenery, instruments, valuable equipment and collections that are in areas vulnerable to flooding (i.e., the floor, the basement) or susceptible to rain (near windows or under roofs) out of harm’s way.

Emergency Management Offices:

• • • North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
    • South Carolina Emergency Management Division
    • Virginia Department of Emergency Management

General Weather Event Resources:

• • • Hurricane Preparedness Checklist - AgilityRecovery walks through the safe closure of your facility, as well as critical steps during and after the storm.
    • FEMA’s ready.gov website has check lists and resources for before, during and after a hurricane as well as a disaster preparedness and response mobile app.
    • The American Red Cross has a suite of well-designed apps to cover a wide range of emergencies, including hurricanes. Each app covers what to do if you are in the middle of an emergency, next steps, and preparedness tips.

If your facility is impacted, there are a number of resources to assist you:
https://www.artsready.org/home/public_article/887

And more resources are listed at https://www.lyrasis.org/LYRASIS%20Digital/Pages/Preservation%20Services/Disaster%20Resources/Response-and-Recovery.aspx

It’s important for ArtsReady and our colleagues who help the arts community with readiness, response and recovery to know about the impact of such events on artists and arts organizations. Please be in touch with us when it is safe to do so to share your situation. - Team ArtsReady

- July 2018: The American Documentary (AmDoc) Artist Emergeny Fund offers one-time awards of up to $1,000 each to professional mediamakers who are facing financial emergencies due to unforeseen personal calamities such as health issues, eviction, or disasters. More information is here.

- In June 2018, ICA Art Conservation published an article to prompt discussions about the impact of power outages due to extreme weather on performing arts organizations. The article is here.

- June 2018 – “Safety Awareness for Performing Arts” is the topic of the PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter.  The article is found here and contains recommendations for performing arts organizations and contains links to resources.

- On May 30, 2018, the PAR project will present the new webinar, "Community Recovery Through Arts and Culture." This free session addresses the vital role that arts and culture play in recovery from disasters and focuses on how you, as performing arts organizations, can engage in this work. More information and the registration link are here.

- On May 24, 2018, theatre and performance artists from Puerto Rico will present, "Puerto Rico: Theatre after Hurricane Maria" at the Segal Theatre in NY. The evening will feature presentations, demonstrations, as well as an open forum to discuss the current state of performance and politics on the island. The event will be livestreamed. More information is here.

- May 2018 – “Hurricane Preparedness for Performing Arts” is the topic of the PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter.  The article is found here and contains recommendations for performing arts organizations and contains links to resources.

- From April 23-June 7, 2018, FEMA seeks comments on the Individual Assistance Policy and Program Guide. The Guide will provide a single comprehensive reference document for all FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) programs. Visit here to review the Guide and provide comments.

- April 2018 – “Volunteer Preparedness – Health and Safety” is the topic of the PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter.  The article is found here and provides recommendations for emergency preparedness training for volunteers and contains links to resources.

- On April 3, 2018, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that the City of Houston will receive the Arts & Sciences Cities of Distinction Award from the Phi Beta Kappa Society in recognition of the quality, depth, range and vibrancy of its community engagement with the arts and sciences. More information is in this press release.

- March 2018 – “Fire Safety in Theatres” is the topic of the PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter. The article is found here and provides fire prevention tips and links to resources.

- In March 2018, the Performing Arts Readiness project awarded the Amistad Research Center and the New Orleans Jazz Museum a grant of $15,000 to provide for the establishment of the New Orleans Preservation Coalition. The coalition will provide opportunities for preservation education, disaster response, and related activities to sustain and protect the area’s arts and cultural heritage. More information is in this press release.

- In March 2018, the Performing Arts Readiness project began looking for performing arts organizations to host one of four Emergency Preparedness Consultants/Circuit Riders for 12 months between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. These EPC/Circuit Riders will work directly with performing arts organizations on a local level providing expertise, training, consulting, and mentoring to staffs and Boards regarding effective emergency preparedness. More information and application forms are available here.

- February 2018 – “Ensuring the Safety of All Patrons” is the topic of the PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter. The article is found here and focuses on the importance of an organization’s need to meet the needs of those with special needs during an emergency.

- In January 2018, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded PAR project partner South Arts a three-year grant totaling $500,000 to support the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER) which is the only arts readiness, response, and recovery organization in the U.S. serving all artistic disciplines. The full press release is here.

- January 2018 – “Performing Arts and Community Response and Recovery” is the topic of the PAR/NJ State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter. The article is found here and contains a discussion of the experiences of organizations during emergencies and provides recommendations for preparation with links to resources.

- On January 12-16, 2018, PAR Performing Arts Coordinator Jan Newcomb ([email protected]) and PAR Project Partner Mollie Quinlan-Hayes, Deputy Director and Accessibility Coordinator of South Arts ([email protected]), will host the PAR exhibit table Association of Performing Arts Professionals Conference in New York City (https://www.apap365.org/Conference).

- The December 2017 article “What It’s Like to Evacuate a Museum in a Natural Disaster” published in The Atlantic is an account of recent emergency response training at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. If your performing arts organization would like to host a similar training, please contact the Performing Arts Readiness project at [email protected].

- December 2017 – “Preparing for Winter Weather” is the topic of the PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter. The article is found here and contains recommendations for performing arts organizations to ensure the safety of patrons and performers during winter weather emergencies.

- November 2017 – “Is Your Venue Secure?” is the topic of the PAR/NJ State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter. The article is found here and contains a discussion of event safety with links to planning resources.

- October 2017 – “Cybersecurxity Month” is the theme of the October PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts monthly newsletter. The article is found here and provides recommendations for making the data stored by performing arts organizations more secure.

- September 2017 - “In the Eye of the Storm: How Federal Funding Rescues Arts and Culture in Times of Disaster” was posted by Tom Clareson, Performing Arts Readiness Project Director, on the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s “Shared Experiences” blog. The article describes the important role of agencies like the NEA, NEH, and IMLS in the provision of a safety net for the arts and culture community. The article is here.

- September 2017 – The September monthly PAR/New Jersey State Council on the Arts newsletter introduces Ellen Korpar, the PAR Emergency Preparedness Consultant for the state of New Jersey. Ellen will provide one-on-one consulting, planning services, and group training to performing arts readiness. More information is here.