FUND FOR THE ARTS LAUNCHES $10 MILLION CULTURAL LOU RECOVERY CAMPAIGN
IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Louisville, Ky. April 9, 2020 – To combat the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fund for the Arts (FFTA) is redirecting all of its efforts to help Greater Louisville arts and culture organizations survive these unprecedented times. In partnership with the Arts & Culture Alliance, an 85-member advocacy organization for local arts, culture, heritage, science and history organizations, FFTA has expanded its annual fundraising campaign to become the Cultural Lou Recovery Campaign. The new campaign will be co-chaired by David Wombwell (Market President, US Bank) and Campbell Brown (President, Old Forester).
Annually, the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Jefferson County generates $462.5 million in total economic activity. Temporary closures due to COVID-19 are causing daily losses of $1.3 million. These organizations are active in our schools, community centers, and neighborhoods, in addition to theatres and museums. Last year, these organizations delivered more than 9,000 field trips, workshops, performances, and events.
$10 million is needed now to help address the arts and culture sector’s short-term viability and long-term vibrancy, including:
• COVID-19 Emergency Support Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations (essential staff and core functions) – Round 1 open, applications due April 17
• Recovery Grants for Fund for the Arts’ Sustaining Impact Grantees to rebuild – to be awarded in the fall
• Recovery Grants for Greater Louisville Arts & Culture member organizations to rebuild – to be awarded in the fall
• Community Impact Initiatives that support access, education, and equity in the arts across Greater Louisville
Old Forester President Campbell Brown said, “Seeing how quickly the Fund for the Arts’ leadership team recognized the need to think strategically about better serving our Arts community in this unique time, it was apparent we’d have to adjust the expectations and urgency around securing critical funds for immediate needs. I hope that we can all play a role in securing a clearer future for many of these critical organizations in the coming months.”
LG&E and KU Foundation and GE Appliances, a Haier company, have stepped forward to support dollar-for-dollar matching funds using previously restricted donations. The organizations have agreed to lift restrictions on those grants so they can be used by the Fund to support the Cultural Lou Recovery Campaign and its objectives.
“These institutions are such a vital part of our city’s economy, growth, vibrancy, and unique culture,” said David Wombwell, US Bank Market President. “We want to ensure they can brave the storm. Together, we can keep them strong and guarantee they continue to be an invaluable part of our community for years to come.”
“The arts bring hope, joy, and comfort,” said Christen Boone, President & CEO, Fund for the Arts. “The arts will be an integral part of bringing us together again to celebrate and heal after this period of uncertainty and social isolation.”
To make a gift to the Cultural Lou Recovery Campaign, visit- fundforthearts.org/culturallourecovery.
About Fund for the Arts
Fund for the Arts is a regional nonprofit with the mission to maximize the impact of the arts on economic development, education, and quality of life in our community. The Fund is a convener, promoter, leader, and driver of Imagine Greater Louisville 2020, the region’s arts & cultural plan. It facilitates the largest arts grant program in Kentucky as well as conducts one of the oldest united arts campaigns in the country.
Quotes from our matching sponsors to the Cultural Lou Recovery Campaign
“The arts sew the vivid color and rich texture throughout the fabric that is our community,” said LG&E and KU Chairman, CEO and President Paul W. Thompson. “As a community partner, we recognize that now, more than ever, it is critical that we all help preserve the arts sector and ensure it fully survives beyond the current crisis.”
“GE Appliances is a long-time supporter of the Fund, and our donation this year was to support educational arts programs in schools. Since many of those programs have been halted, we felt it was the right thing to do to allow the Fund to use our grant for this campaign to continue the viability of arts organizations throughout our community,” said Kevin Nolan, president and CEO of GE Appliances. “As we build the essential products at GE Appliances that help families keep their homes clean and their food and medicine safe, we’re also focused on how we can continue building stronger communities where our employees live and work.”
