Artists, venues and crew members have been clamoring for support since the live-entertainment industry was shut down by the government in March to slow the spread of COVID-19. Federal, state and local government agencies and the private sector have offered some aid, but not enough to match the need, and many metro area organizations risk closing altogether in 2021, according to a recent Scientific and Cultural Facilities District study.
Now the state is stepping up to help the cultural sector until the federal government — which has been mired in partisan gridlock and lacking a comprehensive executive strategy — can pass a relief bill.