americans for the arts emergency relief fund
Dear Friends:
Like many of you, I am concerned about the well-being of Southern California residents as I watch coverage of the wildfires in that area. The devastation of a natural disaster like this impacts the quality of life, culture, and community of those in its wake.
Americans for the Arts has been in touch with our constituents in California, and while it is too early to assess the ultimate impact of the fires, we do know that many venues have cancelled performances, artists have been displaced, and public art has been damaged. In response to the magnitude of this disaster, Americans for the Arts stands ready to help by actively collecting donations to the Americans for the Arts Emergency Relief Fund, a permanent fund developed in 2005 to provide timely financial assistance to victims of a major disaster for the purpose of helping them rebuild the arts in their community. One hundred percent of relief funds will be distributed directly to local arts service organizations to assist with their recovery and their provision of services and funding to nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, and other cultural relief efforts.
We will continue to monitor the situation in California; arts organizations in that area are not yet positioned to know what they need or when they will need it. We are receiving donations to the Fund now and plan to open the granting process in mid-November. Along with your donations, Americans for the Arts is adding a $20,000 contribution from reserves to build the efficacy of the Fund. To make a contribution to the Emergency Relief Fund, visit our website at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/emergencyrelief, or contact us toll-free at 866.471.2787 and ask for the Americans for the Arts Emergency Relief Fund.
The Americans for the Arts emergency relief fund website has listings of national, regional, and local relief efforts that are addressing the fires in California. The website also includes a special online bulletin board for sharing stories, news, and initiatives concerning California residents. We encourage you to use this communication vehicle and post any resources that will be helpful: www.AmericansForTheArts.org/emergencyrelief.
Americans for the Arts remains committed to assisting those local cultural organizations and individuals in need, and we are touched by the generosity we have seen in all of you. We will continue to keep you informed about additional ways you can help. If you have any questions regarding our efforts, please contact Chief Planning Officer Mara Walker at 202.371.2830.
Sincerely,
Bob Lynch
President and CEO
