COVID-19, Concert Cancellations, and Congressional Action

March 11, 2020

Community by community, the impact of COVID-19 is variable and rapidly changing. As Congress and the Administration consider new forms of federal economic assistance that may be targeted or widespread, orchestras can join others in the arts and nonprofit sectors that are speaking up to ensure that relief will meet all community needs.

• In the interest of public health and in compliance with local health advisories, many orchestras are canceling or curtailing performances, educational offerings, and other public events.
• Orchestras and musicians who perform in them are vital contributors to the nonprofit sector and important to the economy of the communities they serve.
• The unexpected loss of event-dependent revenue, income for musicians, and declines in charitable contributions is beginning to come into focus and will grow over time.
• Federal relief in response to COVID-19 should ensure that the needs of nonprofit arts organizations and musicians are addressed.

Whether you choose to take action through our online campaign to Congress, or you opt to weigh in directly with local district staff, we urge you to be as specific as you can about the current and projected impact on your orchestra. Congress needs to hear from as many constituents as possible that COVID-19 relief should be made accessible to nonprofit arts organizations, artists, and musicians.

As opportunities for federal relief do become available, your elected officials will likely be key partners in helping you to gain access, so it is doubly important to tend to these relationships now by initiating a conversation on this topic.

The League has assembled resources relating to coronavirus, where we will also share any developing news relating to possible federal relief.

Thank you, and please stay in touch with us as you communicate with Congress!