Saving The Arts In NJ-11: Devastating Losses Seen In COVID Crisis

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The arts are more than just nourishment for the soul – they’re a vital financial staple for New Jersey. And more needs to be done to keep them alive through the ongoing coronavirus crisis, a congresswoman from the 11th District says.

Recently, Rep. Mikie Sherrill hosted a roundtable discussion with performing arts groups across the district, including Montclair, Florham Park, Morristown and Madison.

Participating organizations included the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morris Arts, the Morris Museum, the New Jersey Ballet Company and School, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the Wellmont Theater, Jazz House Kids and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

As might be expected, they reported “devastating” losses and tough financial times as a result of the pandemic.

Some federal safety nets – including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – have given them a crucial lifeline to help keep the wolves from the door. But much more needs to be done, Sherrill charged.

The stakes are high – arts venues contribute about $1.2 billion to New Jersey’s economy each year, she said.

“Supporting the arts in NJ-11 during the pandemic is vital to both our arts community and our local economies,” Sherrill said. “A performance at one of these venues typically packs local restaurants and stores, and generates jobs for local vendors.”

The congresswoman pointed to legislation such as the Save Our Stages Act (H.R. 7806), the Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program (P4) Act (H.R. 7241), and the RESTART Act (H.R. 7481) as examples of how the government can help save the arts amid the pandemic.

There have also been inspiring attempts to adapt amid COVID-19, Sherrill pointed out.

“I'm grateful for the efforts local arts organizations have made to bring performances to us virtually and outdoors,” Sherrill said. “It has provided so many people an opportunity to see a great play or musical performance during the pandemic.”

• See related article: Montclair Theater Nonprofit Reinvents Itself Amid Coronavirus
• See related article: Morristown Studio Adapting To Virus Restrictions
• See related article: Rutgers Art Students Adapt Their Craft During Quarantine

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Melissa Walker, Jazz House Kids – “Towns across America are counting on nonprofit arts organizations and arts venues to make their communities come alive again, and to help bring much needed revenue to associated businesses.”

David Tamaki, New Jersey Ballet – “The economic impact COVID-19 has had on the arts sector has been devastating. The arts community in New Jersey is in desperate need for additional support both at the federal and state level.”

Cleveland Johnson, Morris Museum – “The first round of CARES-Act stimulus helped the Morris Museum through the initial shock of those first months of crisis. Now, however, as this fight draws out into months and more months, a mature response is needed that further addresses the long-term complexities of keeping the economic engines of our arts sector running, as we contribute to the overall health of our communities, to their education, to their inspiration and to their emotional well-being.”

Bonnie Monte, The Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey – “The performing arts sector is sure to be one of the hardest hit as it will be one of the last industries able to return to normal operation. That will have a far-reaching ripple effect on the communities and people we serve in myriad ways – economically, educationally, culturally and spiritually. Having Congresswoman Sherrill reach out to hear our concerns was an important morale boost as we all struggle to navigate our way through these rough pandemic waters. Her willingness to listen and try to help us in this endeavor is so important – especially in our state where the arts, culture and history play such an important role in our economy and in our constituents’ lives.”

Tom Werder, Morris Arts – “Teaching artists and individual artists and other arts workers have been devastated by the shut-down. We are looking to Washington to finish the negotiations around extended unemployment and PPP and all the ways that the federal government can sustain our vital work of building community through the arts.”

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