By Salem Tsegaye, officer for arts and culture at The New York Community Trust
This story was originally printed in Our Town, the Local Paper for the Upper East Side.
Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra performs with special guests Sahr Ngaujah and Wunmi Olaiya (pictured) along with Tosin Aribisala and Bryan Vargas. Photo: David Garten, courtesy of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance
It wouldn’t be New York City without our artists, and the organizations that support them and showcase their work are vital to their livelihoods.
But the impact of COVID-19 on the arts and culture sector was severe. Income for creators dried up, and some cultural organizations permanently closed.
If we want this sector to come back — more equitably and sustainably than before the pandemic — then generous New Yorkers who value the arts need to step up. While government has provided critical funding to help some organizations navigate COVID-19, public support brings administrative burdens and does not reach every organization that needs it.
The good news is there are many ways to help. As program officer for arts and culture at The New York Community Trust, I talk every day with artists and cultural workers who are navigating the challenges caused by COVID-19. Here are five things they’ve told me they need:
As always, we welcome inquiries from donors looking to make a bigger impact with their charitable giving. Please contact us at nycommunitytrust.org if you’d like to take advantage of our philanthropic advising services.
Need help or advice?
Marty Lipp
Communications Director
(212) 889-3963
mbl@nyct-cfi.org
Amy Wolf
Director of Marketing
(646) 214-1004
aw@nyct-cfi.org
Need help or advice?
Marty Lipp
Communications Director
(212) 889-3963
mbl@nyct-cfi.org
Amy Wolf
Director of Marketing
(646) 214-1004
aw@nyct-cfi.org