These Metro Detroit Arts and Culture Organizations Need Your Help
The arts economy is taking a hit due to COVID-19 public safety measures that are keeping people at home. Here’s a list of local arts and culture organizations seeking donations currently.
Michigan’s arts and culture community is reeling due to cancellations and revenue lost amidst strict public safety measures put in place to blunt the spread of COVID-19.
“If we value these organizations and businesses, if we want them to be here when this crisis is over, they have to be able to pay their mortgage payments.” — Deb Polich, Arts Alliance
The impact is especially hard on the hourly and service workers who keep events staffed and audiences entertained.
(Are you facing financial hardship? See if you qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage during the crisis.)
“If we value these organizations and businesses, if we want them to be here when this crisis is over, they have to be able to pay their mortgage payments,” says Deb Polich of the Arts Alliance.
101.9 WDET has compiled a list of arts and culture organizations who are currently seeking additional support to make it through tough economic circumstances. This will be updated as we add more organizations.
Do you know or are you part of an arts or culture organization that is seeking additional support?
- A URL or screenshot to a public appeal for support related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A URL to a donation page on your website or payment provider.
Seeking Support
Trinosophes
Cafe and event space
“As you may know, we are an artist-run space with razor thin margins that, for the past 10 years, has operated at the scale and magnitude of most cultural institutions with quadruple the budget.”
The Film Lab
Independent theatre
“Cancelling and postponing shows places tremendous financial strain on any theatre.”
Detroit Metro Times
Local media and events
“We don’t know what the future holds, but because Detroit needs as much information as possible during these trying times, we’ll be working our asses off to bring you stories you need — and some you don’t.”
Planet Ant
Independent theatre
“There is not a lot of money in what we do. We are going to need all the support that we can get to make it to the other side of this.”
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra
“As a community-supported orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra relies on the people we serve — every dollar matters and you make a difference. That has never been more true than during this time of event closures as our community works together to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.”
Cinema Detroit
Independent theatre
“The show will go on with your help. As you may know, ticket and concession sales are our only source of revenue, so your tax-deductible support at this time is greatly appreciated.”
Living Arts
Youth arts program
“COVID-19 has had an immediate and staggering impact on the Detroit youth Living Arts serves in classrooms across the city and on the livelihoods of the Teaching Artists who bring students art, inspiration, and learning daily.”
826michigan
Youth writing and literacy
“These are challenging times for any nonprofit organization. They challenge our resources, our impact… and yes, our funding, too.”
Museum of Contemporary Arts Detroit
Arts and events
“If you’re able, please consider donating to MOCAD’s Emergency Fund, which helps us continue to operate. Investing in MOCAD is investing in arts and education across Detroit.”
Applying for Unemployment
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order to temporarily expand eligibility for unemployment benefits, effective immediately and until Tuesday, April 14 at 11:59 PM.
Under this order, unemployment would be expanded to:
- Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, including those who have childcare responsibilities due to school closures, or those who are forced to care for loved ones who become ill.
- Workers who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off.
- First responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19.
Access to benefits for unemployed workers will also be extended:
- Benefits will be increased from 20 to 26 weeks.
- The application eligibility period will be increased from 14 to 28 days
- The normal in-person registration and work search requirements will be suspended.
Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits online at Michigan.gov/UIA or 1-866-500-0017. A factsheet on how to apply for benefits can be found here.
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