Many have benefitted from the arts during this time of sheltering in place. The arts are a source of entertainment, enrichment, self-development, socialization, expression and innovation. Theatres, museums, arts venues are struggling to exist, as are many small business-owners and employees who are wondering how long their Covid19 unemployment benefits will last.
The “Save Our Stages Act” has been launched to provide assistance to one of the last arts industry to re-open and resume sustainable business. ” Independent music and entertainment venues have been among the hardest-hit businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Even as some portions of the economy begin to re-open, venues will likely remain closed for some time, as the coronavirus is believed to spread especially quickly in crowded indoor spaces.” Press release from Save Our Stages Act.
Amy Klobuchar, a supporter of this act said, “This legislation would help ensure that small entertainment venues can continue to operate and serve our communities for generations to come.” Bridgeport already has 2 shuttered theatre sites, one on Pleasure Beach and the other on Main Street North.
Some of the local art casualties due to Covid19 include the Acoustic Café in Black Rock and Franklin Street Works in Stamford. Good news for the Acoustic site, it will now become a project space for the School of Rock, Fairfield. This legislation would help for-profit, independent theatre venues like the Bijou Theatre.
Listen to independent theatre owners talk about the situation.
Related story: The Downtown Cabaret Theatre temporarily closed during Covid19
www.SaveOurStages.com
