Heavey, Fort Peck Fine Arts Council Awarded
For many musicians, writers, performing and visual artists, lost income has become a fact of life during the coronavirus pandemic. But some good news has arrived, in the form of CARES funding to support creative professionals. The Montana Arts Council has announced a total of $718,804 to be awarded in the first rounds of Montana’s CARES Individuals and CARES Recovery programs.
Glasgow-based photographer Sean R. Heavey was awarded $2,500 and the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council was awarded $3,000. The Fine Arts Council is a fundraising arm of the Fort Peck Summer Theatre.
These awards are given to support nonprofit organizations, artists and cultural workers statewide as they combat the financial effects of the pandemic. As with most industries, Montana’s artists have been hard hit during this time. Gallery shows, musical performances, theater events, bookstore readings and other public gatherings have been canceled, and prominent venues which host these events have seen restricted use or even closed entirely. Coupled with the loss of outdoor festivals and related tourist activity, Montana’s arts economy has been deeply disrupted.
The arts are one of three key industries, including technology and business, that drive regional economies. In a normal year, the arts contribute more than $1.5 billion to Montana’s economy and represent 3.4 percent of the total gross state product. They also supply 15,666 jobs, generating $883 million in total compensation.
Montana’s creative industries have lost more than $223 million in sales between April and July. Montana’s job losses in this area are tracking higher than the national average.
“The Montana Arts Council is committed to this important work at a time when our arts colleagues are suffering,” Bozeman Council member Renée Westlake states. “Any community with a vibrant arts scene promotes a balance in our lives, contributing greatly to citizenship, collaboration, communication, and empathy.”
The economic vulnerability of artists has become apparent during the crisis. 94 percent of people working in creative fields have reported a loss of income due to COVID-19 and 71 percent have been burdened with added expenses during the same period. For this reason, MAC is dedicating the majority of CARES Act funding to stemming losses for those affected. Montana CARES Individuals will award up to $2,500 to those impacted by COVID-19.
“MAC anticipated a significant demand for these funds, and designed processes to equalize the opportunity for those limited by technology,” said MAC executive director Tatiana Gant. As the need quickly outpaced the funds available, the Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning allocated additional CARES resources to supplement those received through the National Endowment for the Arts. “To date, MAC has been able to fund every qualified request which met the criteria and has added additional deadlines to support outreach to Tribal nations and isolated communities.” Montana Arts Council will continue to accept applications for CARES funding through Feb. 18. Visit www.art.mt.gov for more information.
Montana CARES Individuals acknowledges Montana artists as an essential component of the economy. Grant funds provided will allow artists to engage in their artistic practice. Artistic practice is broadly defined and includes artists, teaching artists, arts administrators and other arts and culture workers. Funds are intended to help offset lost opportunities related to COVID-19, to be used toward creative efforts and to support future success. Applicants may be prioritized to equalize awards across geographic area and disciplines.
