Ohio’s artists are fighting for survival; the public can help
The dance art form is expressive and vibrant. Columbus dance practitioners offer a variety of dance genres from contemporary, hip-hop, West African, Tap, Classical Indian, Flamenco to ballet, jazz and modern.
In early 2020, dance artists were preparing new work to perform in spring and summer concerts. Dance studios were prepping students for recitals, concerts and competitions.
Well, we all know what happened, in March 2020 a global pandemic forced widespread shutdown. Performing artists and venues took a heavy hit.
Having just passed the one-year mark, Ohio is opening slowly, with caution. Vaccines will make gatherings a reality again. Although what will the confidence level of the public be like? How long will it take for theaters to get back to near full capacity?
Are masks here to stay?
Ohiodance has asked artists what it has been like for them during the pandemic. Some have found that there has been more time to focus on creativity. Others have been able to find time to learn, create and collaborate with other artists without worrying about location and time zones.
American for the Arts posted an article “The Creative Impact of COVID-19 on Intentionally Marginalized Artists and Creative Workers.”
In their survey of artists and creative workers, they found that 64% experienced a decrease in their creative productivity during the pandemic. Much of this decrease was due to in-person events being canceled, and venues closed. Also, artists have needed to homeschool children, take care of elderly parents and write grant and loan applications to supplement lost income.
Over half (53%) responded that their decline in productivity was due to stress, anxiety, and depression about the state of the world, and 19% said that their health or their family’s health had been impacted by COVID-19, preventing them from working.
The top two most affected groups were artists who identify as Indigenous (30%) and Black (26%).
One positive was that 77% of artists are using their creative practice to help their community get through the pandemic. We must ensure our dance artists are paid for the services they are providing.
In order to survive, artists need to charge for classes and performances offered online. Please support these individuals and organizations in promoting their work. Support Ohio artists by participating in Ohiodance’s 2021 Virtual Festival April 30-May 2.
Below are some resources to help guide artists through these times.
h Ohio Arts Councilcoronavirus Update
h Greater Columbus Arts Council’s Resources for COVID-19
h National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants
h NEA Resources’ COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations
h The Actors Fund
h Dance/usa Resources related to Coronavirus Jane D’angelo has served as the Ohiodance Executive Director since 2003. D’angelo is the project leader and co-creator of the Ohiodance Virtual Dance Collection®, an interactive website that preserves and documents multiple achievements of those that have shaped the dance history of Ohio. She has an extensive background in dance and dance education.