BizRECOVERY month after COVID-19 hit. “During a crisis like the pandemic, people understand the need to support nonprofits that provide basic human services,” McDonald said. “We are so grateful for the strong support that we have received, but arts organizations and other types of nonprofits are very much struggling and they are critical to the spiritual, emotional and psychological health of the community as well.” Protecting the Arts
Performing arts organizations and venues such as the iconic Fox Tucson Theatre have faced significant challenges. The Fox, which offered more than 150 film screenings, concerts, community gatherings and special events annually pre-COVID-19, has lost roughly $2 million in projected revenue since it closed its doors on March 12. “The depth and breadth of impact on the performing arts is complete for several reasons,” said Bonnie Schock, Fox Tucson Theatre’s executive director. “First, the performing arts are designed to gather people together in groups, which makes us particularly vulnerable in this situation.” Worse, the Fox and many other arts organizations typically utilize advance ticket sales or subscriptions as working capital to fund new projects. In addition to the loss of new earned revenue, they have been faced with refunding those monies. Social distance protocols and concern from artists and patrons about returning to group settings also make it difficult for performing arts venues to implement working business models. Schock said public determination – along with federal legislation such as the proposed Save Our Stages Act – will be vital to sustaining the arts post-pandemic. The bill seeks $10 billion in funding to rescue arts venues across the country. “Survival will take community will: Our collective statement that this matters enough to invest. We have to ask ourselves, ‘What is important to us?’ and ‘What actions can I take to ensure this industry survives?’ ” The arts draw people together, generating goodwill and understanding about the human condition. Since they also serve as anchors for the community, sparking revitalization and infrastructure, they will become even more relevant as cities poise for recovery, Schock said. “Everyone knows that the arts are the secret sauce in economic development,” she said. “If you want to transform a community, investing in the arts is a key ingredient.” “This may be a long recovery for people economically and many people will need support for a period of time,” added McDonald. “Everyone is experiencing stresses and anxiety and fatigue, but it is imperative that the community comes together for the long haul. Resiliency is the name of the game.”
Biz www.BizTucson.com
Fall 2020
>>>
BizTucson 113