In the last 10 months, New England’s rich arts scene has been hit hard.
Those who depend on live audiences to make a living have lost wages and many lost their jobs. President Joe Biden’s proposed extension of unemployment benefits could help.
Still, music clubs and theaters have been forced to hibernate and some places have permanently closed.
Online fundraisers have become revenue streams for some venues. The Shea Theater in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, just held a two-day event featuring musicians performing from home studios.
Luthier s Co-Op in Easthampton started a GoFundMe page. So did Gateway City Arts in Holyoke, raising almost $40,000. But it wasn’t nearly enough.