Dear Colleagues,
The total financial impact of the business interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts in Miami-Dade County has reached a staggering $73.8 million with a total of 12,429 arts and cultural jobs affected, according to aggregate data from the March – June monthly COVID-19 Survey of Impact on Miami-Dade County's Cultural Community combined with a survey of artists and cultural “gig” workers, conducted by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.
We remain extremely alarmed about the growing negative impact that COVID-19 is having on our cultural community. The survey results continue to tell us what we know to be true: the very survival of arts and cultural organizations and artists-entrepreneurs is at stake. We are heartened by Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s budget recommendations for FY 2020-2021 (see below). We also are very encouraged by the County Commission’s recognition of the desperate need for support to help rescue our cultural life. This week, they are considering dedicating federal resources from the Coronavirus Relief Fund specifically to help address this arts crisis. We will keep you informed about the progress of these efforts.
This comprehensive monthly survey of non-profit arts and cultural organizations substantiates the COVID-19 financial and job losses from the past four months of March, April, May and June 2020. When combined with the financial impact data of artists, gathered through a survey as part of the Miami-Dade Artist Support! (MÁS!) Program in partnership with The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, these survey results demonstrate the intensifying economic effects on hundreds of cultural businesses and artists-entrepreneurs due to the complete stop of cultural programs and events compounded by the necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
TOP FINANCIAL CONCERNS
According to the survey, among cultural institutions, arts groups and artist collectives the concerns over jobs – staff and artists – are steadily on the rise.
· 83.9% of respondents indicated that “Administrative and Artistic Salaries/Fees” is their top Financial Priority
· 53.4% of respondents indicated that the inability to generate “Reduced/Eliminated Earned Revenue” (including ticket sales and admission fees) is their primary income concern with 35% concerned about the loss of private sector support through a decline in individual donations, corporate sponsorships and foundation grants
· 66.5% of respondents are worried about the escalating COVID-19 expenses (additional maintenance, sanitizing supplies, etc.) for this year and/or next year.
Survey results have been reviewed by the Department of Cultural Affairs to ensure accuracy. The Department will continue to share the Survey data with our local, state and national arts funder colleagues, our partners and the media.
JULY SURVEY
The July Survey will open at the end of this month. We encourage you to continue collecting data on the revenue losses, jobs affected and additional expenses attributable to COVID-19 in the easy-to-use, self-calculating Financial Impact Tracker. Access the COVID-19 Financial Impact Assessment Tools here.
MICHAEL, WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH NEXT YEAR’S CULTURAL BUDGET?
As previously announced, Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez released his FY 2020-2021 budget recommendations on July 13, 2020. As part of his proposed budget, the Mayor has recommended renewing full funding for our Department’s grants programs. It is important to note the Mayor’s recommendations will be acted upon by the Board of County Commissioners. See details here.
THE NEW NORMAL GUIDELINES
Under Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s current Executive Orders cultural activities remain closed due to the pandemic, with the limited exception of nonprofit museums, public gardens, and summer camps, subject to strict guidelines. Please note that a 10 pm curfew remains in place county-wide; certain cities within the County may have earlier curfews.
Other venues, including theaters, can re-open on a limited basis with a County-approved re-opening plan. The requirement is to submit a plan that incorporates the standards contained in the County’s New Normal Guide, to have that plan approved by the County, and to operate in conformance with the approved plan. Please click here to see digital page 15 of the New Normal Guide for instructions on submitting plans. The Department of Cultural Affairs will continue to support you and is available to review draft plans.
You can see the entire set of requirements at www.miamidade.gov/newnormal, including the section on Arts & Culture.
Stay safe and healthy!
Michael
Michael Spring
Senior Advisor to Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and
Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
The most reliable way to contact us continues to be through email. You can find a staff directory at https://www.miamidadearts.org/about/staff-councils.
To view a comprehensive list of all the previous Department updates on COVID-19 click here.