
The Arts and COVID-19
The arts are a way that people can find solace and comfort during stressful times. And wow, it's a bit stressful out there right now. The Springfield Regional Arts Council truly values all of our patrons, partners, volunteers, and staff. In response to COVID-19, we are monitoring recommendations and guidance from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and the City of Springfield. This includes limiting activities with an anticipated attendance of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. We are in an ever-evolving situation, so things may change rapidly. Check www.SpringfieldArts.org and our social media for the most current updates.
Starting Monday, March 16, the SRAC will close the office until April 26, 2020. At that time, we will reassess the situation. During this time, if you have any need or questions, please email Executive Director, Leslie Forrester, directly at LeslieF@SpringfieldArts.org or leave her a message at 417-862-2787 extension 41.
If you are planning on attending an arts outing, please confirm with each organization whether or not they have canceled their event.
This is also a vulnerable time for many of our area nonprofits, including our arts community. Any decisions to cancel or postpone are not taken lightly. If events are canceled, please consider making your ticket a donation rather than requesting a refund. If you have the capacity, consider making an extra donation to help lighten the load of lost revenue. Arts and culture in Springfield remain committed to serving and supporting the community in a variety of ways. Even in these most unprecedented and chaotic times.
In the coming weeks, we hope you will take some time to create! Paint with your kiddos, draw in a sketchbook, sing loud enough that your neighbors can hear. As you create, share it with us on social media. We are on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Make noise, get messy, but above all, please be safe and respectful!
Yours in the arts,
Leslie Forrester, Executive Director
For more information and guidelines for COVID-19, please visit:
- Springfield-Greene County Health Department
https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5068/Coronavirus
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)
If you are an artist or creative, here are some resources during times of crisis:
- ArtsReady.Org - an online emergency preparedness service by and for arts/cultural nonprofits
- Springboard for the Arts - Emergency Funding Resources
- Americans for the Arts - How the Arts & Culture Sector Can Prepare for the Corona Virus
- Americans for the Arts - Resource and Response Center
- Freelance Artist Resources
- Creator's in Need Fund
- The US Department of Arts & Culture's list of actionable items
- Contact your representatives to support artists and arts organizations
- Applying for and Qualifying for Unemployment
- Fill out this survey for Mid-America Arts Alliance
- Global call to creatives
- Missouri Arts Council resources
Listing of known closures and postponements. Consider donating or becoming a paid member to your favorite arts nonprofit in lieu of not seeing a show this month:
- Springfield Contemporary Theatre extends season. "Cake" to be postponed until June.
- Springfield Art Museum temporarily suspends programming through the end of April.
- Springfield Regional Opera's "Pagliacci" in April postponed.
- Rated SGF in March to be postponed.
- Moxie Cinema will temporarily close until further notice.
- Springfield Symphony Orchestra Rescheduling "The Civil War in Missouri" Concert
- Branson Regional Arts Council cancels events through April
- Springfield Little Theatre postponing Matilda: The Musical until May
Great ways to experience the arts without leaving home:
- The Metropolitan Opera will livestream their shows for free each weeknight.
- Author Mo Willems draws with kids! Watch on YouTube.
- Social Distancing Festival
- Springfield-Greene County Library Online Resources
- Springfield area musician Barak Hill live-streaming every Sunday!
- Travel the world's most amazing art museums without leaving home!
- Moxie Mornings Online
Keep the arts alive! Consider making a donation today to support The Springfield Regional Arts Council. #WhereArtLives