From dives to Broadway, US arts aid offers ‘lifeline’ to devastated venues
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CHICAGO, Jan 1, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The Stone Pony in New Jersey’s Asbury Park has hosted dozens of musicians on their ascent to stardom — including none other than Bruce Springsteen — but for months it’s sat dark due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And like hundreds of other cultural institutions across the United States its owners are hopeful relief is finally on the way: the latest COVID-19 bill recently signed into law by President Donald Trump includes $15 billion for beleaguered arts venues to survive the ongoing crisis.
The funds — part of a $900 billion coronavirus relief package — aim to support institutions from dives to Broadway, and come after months of efforts as part of the “Save Our Stages” campaign.