AFTA Continues Research on COVID-19 Impact on the Arts

Americans for the Arts has provided an update on ongoing research tracking the human and financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in the arts and culture sector. If you haven't already, you can fill out the 5-minute survey that will help AFTA track COVID's effect on the arts.

According to the most recent data:

  • Nationally, financial losses to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are an estimated $5.5 billion, to date. They have also lost 210 million admissions due to cancelled events, resulting in a $6.7 billion loss in event-related spending by audiences at local businesses (restaurants, lodging, retail). The economic impact of these losses is $2.0 billion in lost government revenue and 348,000 jobs no longer being supported. Findings are based on 11,500 survey responses.

    • Even with devestating losses, 68% are still delivering artistic content to support their community.

  • Artists/creatives are among the most severely affected workers by the COVID-19 crisis. 62% have become fully unemployed and the average financial loss per artist/creative worker is $21,000, to date. Nationally, they expect to lose $50.6 billion in income in 2020. Findings are based on 17,800 survey responses.

Learn more and read the full update here.

Published: May 19, 2020