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We are grateful to see @jsf considered, deeply thought & researched op-ed for @Nytimes about the state of the arts, w tangible & practical calls for new #WPA for artists, strong local stimulus, changes to the tax code, further federal #stimulus & more. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/arts/design/arts-stimulus-biden.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage 1/7
These have all been part of MWA’s calls since early in the pandemic as we encountered staggering numbers of UI & stories of hardship in the indie music sector ( http://tinyurl.com/mwa-Report )- incl. 71% of musicians & DJs surveyed losing 3/4 or more of their income during the pandemic.
. @jsf: “The current $300-a-week boost, bundled into the December stimulus package, expires in mid-March, long before stages are expected to reopen…” 3/7
“...For all its shortcomings, the program has established a precedent that the Biden administration must build upon: that artists, like other gig workers, are full participants in the national economy — and need to be taken care of as such.” 4/7
We couldn’t agree more: As arts & culture sector is worth a staggering 4.5% of GDP of USA, contributing $877 billion in 2017, ( https://tinyurl.com/mwa-artseconomy ), it is vital to treat all artists as an important part of the American workforce. @BeAnArtsHero @NEA @NPRMusic 5/7
“But until last month...this govt barely acknowledged the crisis that Covid-19 has posed to culture. Nor have private philanthropists filled the gap; while some large foundations have stepped up disbursements, total giving to N American arts orgs has slackened by 14% on avg” 6/7
“I’ve listened to painters & performers weep over canceled shows & tours, salivate over more generous government support in Europe or Asia, & ask themselves whether 2021 is the year to abandon their careers.” We found the same: http://musicworkersalliance.org/ui-stories #UI #Gigworkers 7/7
