COVID-19 Research Update

The coronavirus has had a devastating impact on America’s arts sector. Since the first U.S. case was reported on January 20, 2020 cancellations and closings are taking place at thousands of arts organizations across the country, and two-thirds of the nation’s artists are now unemployed. Americans for the Arts leads the three premier national studies tracking the human and financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the arts.

Impact on Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Sector
Nationally, financial losses to nonprofit arts organizations are estimated to be $4.98 billion, to date. They have also lost 208 million admissions due to cancelled events, resulting in a $6.6 billion loss in event-related spending by audiences (restaurants, lodging, retail). The economic impact of these losses is $1.9 billion in lost government revenue and 328,000 jobs no longer being supported. Findings are based on 11,000 survey responses. (Survey. Dashboard.)
• 95% cancelled events.
• 66% expect this crisis to have a “severe” impact on their organization.
• 29% reduced artistic workforce.
• 24% reduced staff (42% are “likely” to reduce staff).
• 10% are “not confident” that they will survive the COVID-19 pandemic (a potential loss of 12,000 organizations).
• And yet, 65% are delivering artistic content to raise community spirits and morale!