Survey Report Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Georgia Resident Artists' COVID-19 Economic Impacts April 2020 Overview The survey of ACC Artists' COVID-19 Economic Impacts was developed and distributed by an informal group of Athens' area arts organizations, dubbed the "Athens Arts Alliance." Participating organizations include the Lyndon House Arts Center, Athens Institute for Contemporary Art (ATHICA), Creature Comforts’ Get Artistic program, tiny ATH gallery, the Georgia Museum of Art, the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, the Athens Area Arts Council, the Athens-Clarke County Arts Division, and Flagpole. The purpose of the survey was to gather information during this unprecedented time of pandemic, which is striking our culture as well as our health, in order to inform the local government about the challenges being faced by our creative community, many of whom have had their incomes reduced, eliminated, or threatened during this COVID-19 crisis. With this report, as well as through other efforts, the Athens Arts Alliance hopes to advocate for artists impacted by COVID-19 and to propose ideas for public art, beautification projects, grants, and other relief opportunities that the mayor, commission, city government, and the community will develop through the proposed Athens Resiliency Package as well as other avenues that will emerge. The survey took place April 16, 2020 through April 22, 2020. The survey was open to the general public, but targeted towards Athens' creatives, a broad definition that is inclusive of all creative practice, including but not limited to visual artists, musicians, performers, dancers, makers, poets, and writers. The survey was distributed through multiple channels, reaching in excess of 5,000 potential responders. The anonymous survey was standardized on a Likert scale, with six mandatory multiple-choice questions and two optional open-ended questions. The survey received 200 responses, a response rate of +-4%, with 159 reporting residence in ACC zip-codes. The responses compiled in this report are only those from ACC zip-codes, due to the intended audience of ACC governance. However, the 41 responses from non-ACC residents are still relevant to the Athens Arts Alliance, as most of these are from residents within our service areas, and also contribute important information to the group. Summary of Survey Trends and Limitations • Artistic disciplines represented: The majority (75%+) of the responses identified as visual artists. • Sources of Income: Over half (53%) reported having earned income from their creative work. Close to half (44%) identified as having been self-employed. • Loss of Income: The majority (77%) projected loss of income ranging from 25100%. About a quarter (27%) projected losses in the highest range of 75-100%. Survey Design and Reporting by Lauren Fancher for Athens Arts Alliance, May 5, 2020
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