Many businesses were affected by the economic downturn spurred by COVID lockdowns and social-distancing mandates. Especially hard hit were local performing arts organizations including theater, dance and music.
“The nonprofit performing arts sector is facing an existential crisis like never before,” said Julie Baker, CEO of Californians for the Arts. “During COVID, we were the first to close and the last to reopen.”
Baker made these stark remarks at a workshop held in Sacramento on Aug. 18 in response to the growing concern about the impact of COVID and other challenges facing arts nonprofits. Californians for the Arts organized workshops in four other cities – Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and San Diego – titled “Adapting in Crisis: Toward a Resilient Performing Arts Sector.”
