Arts groups awarded over $425K

With the intent of preserving jobs in the arts community, the Broward Cultural Division has awarded $428,000 in COVID-19 financial assistance to 38 Broward County-based nonprofit cultural organizations.

Provided through the Broward Arts Relief Fund, these organizations that have impacted by the pandemic will receive one-time grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. From March through May, the arts organizations have lost over $21 million and nearly 1,000 jobs due to the crisis.

Across the country, the pandemic has caused a $6.7 billion total economic impact on the nonprofit arts and culture sector, according to a survey done by

Americans for the Arts.

“We recognized early on that we needed to do everything possible to sustain our arts community and preserve jobs,” Cultural Division Director Phillip Dunlap said in a statement. “We will be continuing our efforts as artists and organizations work to stay connected with their audiences and prepare to reopen during the months ahead. It’s also important to note that the arts are both a vital resource for the community as well as a significant economic driver for the entire region.”

Organizations that receive grants must use the funds for reimbursable expenses incurred between March 1 through Sept. 30, including salaries for positions essential to an organization’s artistic objective or are in jeopardy of elimination.

The Broward Arts Relief Fund was created recently through the sales proceeds from the Florida Arts License Plate Program. Funding was provided to nonprofit organizations that received general operating support from the Broward Cultural Division during the 2020 fiscal year.

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BROWARD CULTURAL DIVISION The Broward Arts Relief Fund was created recently through the proceeds from the Florida Arts License Plate Program.