Hola and good morning, here’s the latest news…

NOTE: Items marked with a * will be added to the Resource Center. If you see interesting or helpful items, please send them along. We are updating the Resource Center daily, Monday through Friday. If you have a resource you would like to share, please email me at rharper@artsusa.org.

AFTA NEWS/UPDATES

NEA/AFTA USUAF Call: Thursday, April 16, 1:30p EDT

Please make sure to submit your updates and questions via the form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JBTYZ7Y

NOW through April 24, between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm ET, feel free to drop in to my Zoom "Office Hours with Nina", Monday through Friday, over the next two weeks as much as you need. I will be available to help you navigate the complex web of funding opportunities, federal regulations, and deadlines related to the $3.2 trillion federal aid package in the CARES Act.

PROGRAMMING

April 14, 2:30p EST: “Strengthening Civil Society in a Global Crisis” Hosted by Independent Sector.

You’re invited to a dynamic conversation about #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity for COVID-19 response happening on May 5. The day will bring together philanthropy, businesses, and individuals to drive an influx of grassroots generosity and civic engagement in support of our communities and nonprofits.

April 14, 4:00p EDT: “Coping with COVID: Time Management for Artists During Challenging Times” hosted by Creative Capital

This free online workshop helps artists create take better control of their environment, manage time, reduce stress, and make room to achieve important goals, while also feeling productive and creative.

April 15, 1:00p EST: “Pause, Pivot, Adapt: Finding Emotional Resilience in Times of Crisis" Hosted by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals.

In this webinar, performance coach, management consultant, financial advisor and therapist Dana Fonteneau will lead a conversation on building personal resilience. In the COVID-19 crisis, arts organizations, artists and arts workers are facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and a daunting future. How do we adapt and change our mindset to respond to the effects of the pandemic? How do we mentally prepare to work and lead effectively in the months ahead? And most importantly, how do we take care of ourselves? This webinar will plant seeds for cultivating emotional resilience and provide guidance on how to thrive in times of uncertainty.

April 15, 2:00p EST: “Creating and Managing a Virtual Silent Auction” hosted by Salsa Labs, presented by Handbid.

Let Handbid show you how you can move your auction event to an online-only event. Whether it be your silent auction, live auction, paddle raise or some combination of all of these. This webinar will show you how to achieve your fundraising goals all online!

April 15, 2:00p EDT: “National Endowment for the Arts CARES Act Funding Webinar” hosted by ArtPlace America.

Jen Hughes, the NEA’s Design and Creative Placemaking Director, and Cliff Murphy, the NEA’s Folk and Traditional Arts Director, will present information about the funding that the NEA received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which recognizes that the nonprofit arts industry is an important sector of America’s economy. The NEA will award funds to nonprofit arts organizations to help them endure the economic hardships caused by the forced closures of their operations due to the spread of COVID-19. As part of this important investment, the NEA has designed a plan to expedite the distribution of critical funds and help retain as many jobs as possible, as quickly as possible. In order to be eligible for this funding, an organization must have received direct NEA funding in at least one of the past four years (NEA Fiscal Years 2017-2020).

April 21, 4:00p EDT: “Coping with COVID: Centering Wellness and Self-Care for Creatives” hosted by Creative Capital

Join artist and energy healer Rhonda Wheatley for a conversation about wellness amid the isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty many are facing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

FIELD NEWS/COMMUNICATIONS

American Alliance of Museums article: “Museums and Equity in Times of Crisis”
Broadway World article: “The Met Announces Plans to Live-Stream an All-Star AT-HOME GALA”
Rescripted blog: “Institutions Do Not Define Our Artistic Practice”
*Relief Funds

Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. The Baltimore Artist Emergency Relief Fund is a coalition-led initiative designed to provide direct assistance to Baltimore-based artists and creative entrepreneurs who have lost income due to the COVID-19 crisis. The fund offers emergency grants of $500 to Baltimore City creatives who are experiencing financial strife as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
PEN America. PEN America is expanding its long-standing Writers’ Emergency Fund as part of our efforts to support the literary community at a time when the health and livelihoods of so many are at risk. PEN America will distribute grants of $500 to $1,000 based on applications that demonstrate an inability to meet an acute financial need, especially one resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. We have developed a new streamlined process for the duration of this crisis, and expect to be able to review and respond to applications within 14 days. To be eligible, applicants must be based in the United States, be a professional writer, and be able to demonstrate that this one-time grant will be meaningful in helping them to address an emergency situation. The fund is limited, and not every application can be supported.

GENERAL NEWS

American Theatre article: “Work/Life Balance Is Everyone’s Urgent Business Now”
Native News Online.net article: “AMERICAN INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES ARE SURVIVORS AND WILL GET PAST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC”
Harvard Business Review article: “How to Be an Inclusive Leader Through a Crisis”

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

NPR.org article: “Processing Social Distancing With Haiku”
“Bright Spots Worth Celebrating”

____________________

Ruby Lopez Harper

Senior Director of Local Arts Advancement

Americans for the Arts

1000 Vermont Ave NW 6^th Floor

Washington, DC 20005-4940

202.371.2830 x2079

202.789.2830 fax

www.AmericansForTheArts.org

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Pronouns: she/her/hers