not just the performers but the theater workers et al. More unemployment until 2021, and the owners have to maintain the buildings, security and keeping them lit and heated in the winter without any income coming in.

The country is in deep shit. And then there's whole movie side of the entertainment business, and TV production.

God.

Out of 41 places that plays are shown, I would be surprised if over half never open again. I remember when Rosie would plea for people to go to plays because the playhouses were hurting.

That would be a big hit for the tourism industry.

And amazon so we all can buy it, i would love to watch broadway shows being on the west coast never been to NY only saw a few shows in SF.

And of course the economic complications the news brings also is sad

Governments are going to have to prioritize arts organizations across the country if they're going to survive. Arts organizations are also going to have to get creative with fundraising and partnering with corporate sponsors and other benefactors.

Not only are the arts organizations themselves struggling, but so are the foundations that provide grants and other support. In our city, the man arts foundation that supplies hundreds of thousands to local arts groups--is seeing lower contributions and may face cuts in the city budget, due to lower revenues.

A great country deserves great art. From attending live theater to taking voice lessons to kids attending workshops at universities, the arts make us feel more alive and remind us who we are (not to mention being an outlet and distraction from the world). It is crucial that we get this right and our artists are not irreparably harmed by this pandemic.

This also speaks to what I feel is going to need to be a full, Depression Era-like effort to stimulate our economy and save the country, both financially and spiritually. Lord, help us if Joe Biden is not elected.