Relief for the Arts compiled by The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville

Dear friends and colleagues,

As the country and world respond to coronavirus and the COVID-19 situation, our team at the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville would like to share the following information. First and foremost, the Cultural Council is invested in the health and well-being of the artists, arts organizations, and communities whom we serve. Please follow all directions and recommendations from your local and state authorities as well as entities such as the CDC and WHO.

We also want to make you aware of campaigns to include artists and the nonprofit arts community in any federal relief funds that are made available. Please ask your elected officials to endorse such legislation. Click here to read about such efforts. The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville administers local funds from the City of Jacksonville, as a partnership, in support of these nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that rely on donations:

All Beach Experimental Theatre
Beaches Fine Art Series
Beaches Museum and History Park
Cathedral Arts Project
Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Don’t Miss a Beat
Florida Ballet
Florida Theatre
Friday Musicale
Hope at Hand
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus
Jacksonville Dance TheatreJacksonville Historical Society
Jacksonville Symphony Association
Mandarin Museum and Historical Society
Museum of Contemporary Art – Jacksonville
Museum of Science and History
Players by the Sea
Ritz Chamber Players
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization
The Art Center Cooperative, Inc.
The Performers Academy
Theatre Jacksonville
Theatreworks
WJCT Public Broadcasting

There are a few ways to help the organizations listed and the many other creatives in our community during these challenging times. First, make a donation to your favorite local arts organization. It will help sustain their income as they can no longer rely on admissions, ticket sales, or tuition. If an event you were scheduled to attend is canceled and you receive a refund, consider donating the price of your ticket back to the institution. Buy a piece of art, stream music from local singers and bands, or buy merchandise from local artists. Even though social distancing is today’s norm, I am confident we will soon enjoy engaging in the arts and culture together.

Artists, technicians, administrators, and everyone involved in the arts community are facing an unprecedented situation as events get canceled or postponed. But, ultimately, we believe that the arts are about bringing people together. As we work our way collectively through this pandemic, we are hopeful that the artists, organizations, and everyone who make up our arts community will come together and be stronger for it.

Thank you all,

Joy Young, Executive Director

Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville