The third round of preliminary results from the Performing Arts Aerosol Study have been released. Key findings indicate that wearing an appropriate mask and using recommended bell covers can decrease aerosol emissions from between 60 to 90 percent when playing wind instruments, and that using plexiglass partitions can interfere with HVAC systems in rooms.
2020: Short-term priorities; 2021: Watch this space, but get an early start!; Your Advocacy Toolkit
Dear Friends, This has been an extraordinary, stressful, and transformative time in the life of the country, bringing relief for many and disappointment for others. At the League of American Orchestras we hope for a future that is rooted in decency, respect, and humanity…
This article from Slate.com examines a truly revolutionary way of thinking about diversity and audience development, standing accepted behavior on its head.
The Wallace Foundation has released Navigating Uncertain Times: A Scenario-Planning Toolkit for the Arts and Culture Sector, developed by AEA Consulting and designed to help arts and culture organizations approach planning for a future marked by uncertainties, including the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice movements, climate change, emerging technologies, and other unforeseen circumstances.
As Election Nears, COVID-19 Relief Talks Pause, Resume, and Refocus; SBA Releases Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Updates; Universal Charitable Deduction and the Latest Giving Trends; New Visa Fee and Forms on Pause, but Congress Approves PPS Hike
Orchestras that engage international guest artists should be aware that the new forms and fees that were to go into effect October 2 have been paused due to a nationwide preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Petitioners should continue to use the current version of the Form I-129 (dated 01/27/20) and $460 filing fee for O and P visas for the time being.
Building on years of advocacy by orchestras in partnership with the broader nonprofit sector, a new universal charitable deduction was created under the CARES Act in March, allowing the growing number of taxpayers who do not itemize their returns to receive a tax deduction of up to $300 per tax return for cash charitable donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations during calendar year 2020.
Continue Speaking Up for COVID-19 Arts Relief!; Visa Petition Fee Increases Next Week; Arts in Education Week, All Year Long; Nonprofits CAN Encourage Voter Engagement
While last week officially marked National Arts in Education Week, dedicated advocates know that school-based music education requires advocacy throughout the year. COVID-19 is disrupting how, where, and what students are learning in unprecedented ways, but the value of arts education remains high: Arts Education Is Essential.