…but we still have months to go
Two important statements about reopening the arts recently came out, one only slightly contradicting the other. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is looking at ramping up this summer, while Dr. Anthony Fauci cautiously aims for the fall (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/arts/cuomo-art-culture-plan.html). Either way, the outlook for the arts and culture community is looking up…finally.
That’s good news for so many working in this field, including moi, with my focus on PR for Arts. However, we still have winter, spring, and at least part of summer – if not all – to get through first. And who knows how long it will be (if ever) before the performing arts return to pre-pandemic conditions? (Note: the photo above by Erich Camping shows thousands of 2017 KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival attendees immersing themselves in France’s Plasticiens Volants U.S. debut tour.) My clients have been struggling valiantly, coming up with inventive outlets for their creative energies and skills (http://sallycohenpr.com/2020/06/from-desperation-to-inspiration-take-two/). I have been donating my services, working for reduced pay, and extending my client base into non-arts businesses. But it’s still going to be a tough six months for those of us in the arts sector, one which contributed more than $763.6 billion to the U.S. economy – more than agriculture or transportation – in 2015 (https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-arts-sector-contributed-7636-billion-economy-agriculture-transportation).
I ask that folks who can afford to do so continue to support arts and culture during this time – especially aiding the smaller organizations and individual artists who receive little or no funding. I also encourage thinking outside of that stale, tired box when it comes to hiring artists. Most of the artists I know are amazingly versatile and able to use their experience and talent in many more areas than may immediately come to mind, i.e. performing. For example, PUSH Physical Theatre can use their incredible physical storytelling for promoting products or messages of any kind. Airigami is delving heavily into video production and online content and is always up for brainstorming catchy promotions – with or without balloons.
I too am more than capable of providing PR and marketing for areas other than the arts – in fact, I have done so many times over the past 15 years since I started Sally Cohen PR. Most recently, I worked very successfully with Cheshire Audio Visual and Clear Choice Hearing & Balance, but my list of past clients includes Artwalk Tile, Catholic Charities Community Services, Farash Institute for Jewish Education, Fee Brothers, IBC Engineering, Lifetime Assistance, Microworx, Plan PC, and many more. I would be very happy indeed to entertain any inquiries about my services, and that includes arts and culture types who know they need to be ready to make a big splash when the long-awaited 2021 reopening finally does happen (shameless plug)!
Stay safe out there,
