Cultural groups get needed funds
Arts, entertainment and cultural organizations throughout the region finally are getting the financial assistance promised by the federal government. It’s about time, and the money can’t come a moment too soon for many groups.
As part of the second stimulus package approved in December, Congress established a $16 billion fund for performance and cultural venues. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, administered through the Small Business Administration, was meant to be a lifeline for theaters, concert halls, museums and the like that were forced to close during the coronavirus pandemic.
The lack of revenue threatened the continued operations of many organizations, and some, sadly, will not return.
Those who managed to survive more than a year without performances and admissions still find themselves on shaky financial footing, so the grants, which were delayed by technical issues with the application portal, could make all the difference in restoring the region’s cultural life.
The good news is that by the end of July, nearly 60 organizations in the region had been awarded grants through the program. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust received the largest grant at $8 million. Other groups that got funding: Quantum Theatre Inc. ($43,939); Pittsburgh Savoyards ($15,430); Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra ($3.5 million); the National Aviary ($ 903,823); and Pittsburgh Irish Festival ($251,358).
Melia Tourangeau, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony, told the Post-Gazette the money was needed to cover general operating expenses heading into a new season.
“It’s going to help us survive next year. Orchestra salaries are returning to 2019-20 [season] rates, and we’re restoring the staff because we’re getting back to work,” she said. “This is bridge money to get us back moving after a year of no revenue.”
Organizations that are still waiting for word on their grant application should hear soon about funding as SBA officials said they have made improvements to the program to deliver the available money quicker.
Cultural venues, whether they are large operations like the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust or small community theaters, are the heart of our communities. The much-needed funding will go a long way toward keeping them beating.