FAC adjusts for #COVID-19
Update from Fremont Arts Council:
How is the impact of COVID-19 going to affect the Fremont Arts Council and what is the Board of Directors response?
Engaging community to cultivate the spirit of celebration where everyone is an artist.
We hope this letterfinds you well. With the ever-evolving situation that is COVID-19 and thesocial distancing measures required, these are uncertain times for all of us.We have, in a matter of days, watched our arts scene grind to a halt. Many ofus have lost jobs, incomes, and opportunities but we hope that with thesemeasures and sacrifices, we are helping to save our more vulnerable populationin the long term. Below are three Q&A related to future events and grantsAND resources to get help and help others.
How is the impact ofCOVID-19 going to affect the Fremont Arts Council and what is the Board ofDirectors response?
The Board is followingguidelines for social distancing. This means currently, the FACis no longer accepting supply donations or allowing builds at the Powerhouse.All FAC meetings are cancelled until the City feels it is safe to resume socialgatherings. The Powerhouse is closed until further notice.
How is the impact ofCOVID-19 going to affect MayDay and/or the Fremont Solstice Parade and Celebration? “The City of Seattleannounced that effective at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, all Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR)permitted events will be canceled until at least April 13, 2020. Pleasesee the press release here. The City of Seattleannounced that effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all Seattle Department of Transportation(SDOT) street and sidewalks events will be canceled until at least April 13, 2020. Pleasesee the press release here”
Which means- we don’t know yet. What we can tell you is that the Board is stillplanning these events but with realism and caution. We are doing our outreach, research, andarrangements with as little investment of money as possible right now. Our besthoped for scenario is that planning now will allow us to move full steam aheadwhen the city gives us the permission to do so later in the Spring. If the citycancels our events, we hope that by being fiscally conservative now, we will beable to weather this strenuous time and gather together later in the year.
What does this mean forEnsembles and McKay Grant Applicants who want to be in the Fremont SolsticeParade? Please continue to plan your ensemble! Pleaseapply for grants! Applications are free and still open! We still hope to have aparade and we can’t do that without YOU! Consider that you may not have as much time orresources as normal to create your parade art- will that change your design orplan? While this is a stressful time, it could also be a period of creativeplanning - what could you make if you only had 2 weeks notice? 1 week? Couldyou reuse a prop we already have? Could you make costumes or props with whatyou already have? How wildly creative can you be?
Please know- we lovethis organization; we work hard for this organization and we want the FAC tostay strong and healthy and shine brightly for Seattle when the time comes. Welook forward to seeing you all making art, smiling, and enjoying the springtime soon!
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy,Be Well!
The Fremont Arts CouncilBoard of Directors
P.S. For those in theSeattle area, there are ways to help and get help everyone get by. A few linksbelow.
1. Donate to the Seattle Artists Relief GoFundMe AmidCOVID-19
2. Apply for the Seattle Artists Relief Fund
2. Seattle Foundation:COVID-19 Response Fund
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