Dispatches

Museums Are Safer Than Any Other Indoor Activity, COVID-19 Study Says

Researchers at the Berlin Institute of Technology say the risk of COVID-19 transmission is far lower in museums and theaters than in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, or public transportation. (Hyperallergic)

Arts Innovation and Resilience in a Post-COVID World

On February 10, the Peabody Institute held a virtual conference convening arts industry leaders to explore the path forward for artists and organizations and the long-term, post-COVID landscape for the performing arts. (Peabody Institute)

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation in New York City: Recent Trends and Impact of COVID-19

This report produced by the New York State Comptroller observes the challenges, trends and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors in New York City. (NYS Comptroller)

Broadway’s Dark Year

Live theater has been devastated by the pandemic, and its return remains uncertain. (City Journal)

Devastating, Unviable, Admin Overload: UK Stage Companies Count Cost of Brexit

New visa rules, taxes and transport restrictions are some of the hurdles British dance and theatre organisations must now overcome to tour Europe. The UK Government is considering the export office to boost British music. (The Guardian)  

‘Many Museums Will Be Lost’: US Association Appeals to Congress to Support Funding for Institutions

Among the goals sought in the appeal are Congressional funding for museum programmes sponsored by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and other agencies that help museums serve their communities. The advocates also urge Congress to allow Americans to deduct charitable contributions on their tax returns regardless of whether they specify the entities to which their money has been given. (The Art Newspaper)

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. (US. Small Business Administration) 

Market Analysis of the Cultural and Creative Sectors in Europe: A Sector to Invest In

The market analysis captures the figures behind European the cultural and creative sector’s (CCS) growth before the pandemic. It also outlines the key trends that are reshaping the CCS in light of digitisation and technological innovation, increased environmental consciousness, new business models and more collaborative ways of working. (KEA European Affairs)

Reckoning With a Reckoning: How Cultural Institutions Can Advance Equity

Arts and cultural organizations will always need to align with changing times. This ask itself is not new; what is new is the demand to rethink their very missions in light of the growing movement for racial and economic justice. (Nonprofit Quarterly)

Failure Seems to be the Hardest Word to Say

This article presents findings from UK research that explores how cultural participation policies might be improved by better acknowledgment of failures. It identifies a cultural policy landscape that is not conducive to honesty or critical reflection and argues that without this it will persistently fail to learn or to deliver the scale of change required to create the equity it professes to desire. (International Journal of Cultural Policy via Taylor & Francis Group)

Archie Shepp on Jazz, Race and Freedom: ‘Institutions Continue to Abuse Power’

At 83, the saxophonist has somewhat mellowed his funkily avant-garde music – but his anger at the racial injustice he has fought all his life remains undimmed. (The Guardian)

Met Director Defends Move to Consider Deaccessioning for Collections Care Rather than Art Purchases

The director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Max Hollein, defended the museum’s decision to consider selling art to finance care of its collections and salaries for its employees. A New York Times report that said it was mulling sales for that purpose had brought a wave of criticism. (The Art Newspaper) 

Jazz Beats the Virus Online

In these two panel discussions, Chicago presenters of jazz and new music, and journalists from Madrid to the Bay Area discussed how they’ve transcended coronavirus restrictions on live performances with innovative methods to sustain their communities of musicians and listeners, as well as their own enterprises. (ArtsJournal)

You’re New Here, Aren’t You? Digital Theater’s Unexpected Upside

Companies and venues that put work online are finding big, new and younger audiences – but little revenue. (The New York Times)

Museums Are Selling Virtual Classes and Tours to Boost Revenue During the Pandemic. Here’s What They’ve Learned About What Works

Since the pandemic first forced museums into lockdown last spring, a growing number of institutions have been trying to supplement lost income by selling tickets to experience their exhibitions online. If successful, the business model could provide a new source of revenue in the future and support further digital investment. (Artnet News)

If Work is Going Remote, Why is Big Tech Still Building?

Google, Facebook, and others promise more flexibility to work from home. But they’re charging ahead with plans for more offices. (Wired)

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