LOOP STREET MUSICIAN LAWSUIT UPDATE University City appears ready to back off policies that violate the First Amendment rights of street musicians. On June 23, University City’s attorneys responded to the lawsuit filed by the Washington University School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic and the ACLU of Missouri on behalf of Raven Wolf Felton Jennings and Raymond Douglas, two musicians…
MEDICAID EXPANSION GOES TO VOTERS We’re partnering with the Missouri Foundation for Health on educational outreach efforts to inform voters about the economic and health benefits of Medicaid expansion. Read about the arts case for expansion Why Medicaid Expansion Makes Sense for Missouri (free webinar) Wednesday, July 1, 6:30-7:30 PM On August 4, Missouri voters will decide whether an estimated…
On August 4, Missouri voters will decide whether an estimated 230,000 low-income adults should be newly eligible for Medicaid[1] coverage. The vote “YES” campaign makes a strong economic argument for Medicaid expansion. Proponents of the ballot measure, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, are citing a new report released by Missouri Foundation for Health that addresses job growth and state budget savings…
LIBRARIES STARTING TO RE-OPEN They’re back! Did you know that more Americans visited public libraries than movie theaters in 2019? According to a recent Gallup poll, libraries are by far the nation’s most popular cultural attraction. Young adults, women and people from low-income households visited libraries most often. Many patrons depend on library technology services — internet access, computers, printing and Hotspots for free WIFI access at home. Library closures…
STANDING IN SOLIDARITY Thanks to our region’s cultural organizations for posting eloquent statements expressing grief, outrage and determination to end systemic racism. Art is a catalyst for change. It is our privilege to stand with you and to serve the artists and arts workers who are mobilizing to create a better, more equitable future. RAC ARTIST RELIEF FUND The deadline…
1. Take advantage of available assistance, including unemployment benefits, HealthCare.gov special enrollment (which may be less expensive than COBRA), mortgage relief, emergency grants and loans 2. Spend some time analyzing your finances, so you can budget effectively and identify your priorities. Track expenses (using pen and paper, a spreadsheet or an app such as Mint or YNAB). For business expenses,…
RAC ARTIST RELIEF FUND Music, theatre, and dance organizations are collaborating on a streamed event that will benefit the Regional Arts Commission’s Artist Relief Fund. Produced by Opera Theatre of St. Louis in partnership with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, Arts United STL will air at 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 31. The goal is to raise $250,000. Details here RAC's Artist…
VIRTUAL BENEFIT TO SUPPORT RAC ARTIST RELIEF FUND Music, theatre, and dance organizations are collaborating on a streamed event that will benefit the Regional Arts Commission's Artist Relief Fund. Produced by Opera Theatre of St. Louis in partnership with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, Arts United STL will air at 7:00 PM on May 31. The goal is to raise…
VIRTUAL BENEFIT TO SUPPORT ARTIST RELIEF FUND “Artists in this situation have been like reverse Marines: They were the first ones out of the economy and will be among the last ones in, because everything they do depends on groups of people being together in safety.” — Tom Ridgely, producing artistic director, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival Music, theatre and dance organizations…
ARTIST RELIEF FUNDS New! ASAP Fund The Pulitzer Arts Foundation and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts have established A Sustaining Arts Practice Fund (ASAP Fund) to provide relief to practicing artists, architects and designers who are facing financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ASAP Fund will award $2,000 grants to 50 creative workers who live in the…