Support local arts

5 Ways to support your local arts in lockdown…
 

On 23rd March 2020, along with huge swathes of the country, Covid-19 shut down our cultural life,  having a devastating impact on the national economy, communities and so many talented workers. Despite the gradual relaxation of the lockdown this decision continues to have a disastrous impact on the lives of individuals and organisations working in the arts and cultural sector.

Did you know that 1 in 10 jobs in the West Midlands is supported by the Tourism sector and that the West Midlands visitor economy is currently valued at over 7 billion?

With visitor numbers to the region in decline and with venues and artists left with no audiences or means of generating income, safeguarding the future of the arts has never felt more important.

If, like us, you care deeply about arts and culture, there are plenty of ways that you can continue to support YOUR local arts and artists in lockdown. Here are just a few ideas of how you can help make a difference…
 

Watch or take part online…
 

With so many events and concerts cancelled region wide, arts and entertainment organisations are finding innovative new ways of bringing their work to YOU at home, from You Tube streams of past productions to interactive classes via Zoom, Instagram and Facebook, family-friendly activities and so much more.  

You can access some of the great activities taking place virtually across the West Midlands via our At Home Entertainment pages. Plus, enjoy virtual tours of some of the regions’ best-loved visitor attractions from the comfort of your couch by visiting our Virtual West Midlands hub including the Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham Museums Online, Aston Villa Football Club, Aston Hall, Dudley Zoo and Castle, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park and Ikon Gallery. You can even visit some of these attractions in person too now, following the relaxation of lockdown, check our reopened page for more details!

And better still, If you and your family are enjoying some of the fantastic resources made available by arts institutions online, why not consider making a donation online to help support the artists and practitioners behind them.
 

Write to your local MP…
 

We’re all richer for having access to arts and culture. Whether coming together to watch a performance, supporting the work of local communities or encouraging creativity in our homes, neighbourhoods and schools, the arts enhance our well-being in so many ways.

Public support and backing is vital to the survival of the West Midlands arts and culture sector and it’s important that our collective voice is heard. If you’re passionate about the arts and feel strongly about its place in society, find out more about how you can contact your local MP here.
 

Donate the price of your tickets…
 

Where possible, a lot of local venues are suggesting that patrons offer up the price of their cancelled tickets as a donation to help theatres, arts centres, music venues and other cultural organisations survive through this turbulent period.

Every little helps as they say and with so many arts and entertainment organisations relying on ticket income to survive, even the smallest donation can make a big difference!

If you cannot afford to donate the price of your tickets, you might like to consider the option of exchanging your tickets for an alternative show/date.
 

Treat someone to a Gift Voucher or Membership
 

In these uncertain times, it makes a big difference to have something to look forward to, which is why giving a gift voucher or membership is a great option for culture-lovers (and a welcome boost for the arts).

This way, when venues can re-open their doors and our artists return to work, you’ll have the pick of shows and events to choose from, whilst helping to support the sector at the same time. It’s a win win situation!
 

Share the love!
 

Did you know that a large number of local arts organisations are registered charities?

As such, any income that they raise goes directly back to fund the work that they do, both on stage, in schools and across the broader community.

Many organisations rely on donations and charitable support to help to continue this vital work.

And, in spite of the considerable obstacles posed by Covid-19, many organisations are finding new and creative ways to keep their links to the local community alive in lockdown, whether helping schoolchildren get to grips with their lessons from home, providing support and online resources for teachers, making online training available to artists or lending their skills and talent to scrub-making for the NHS!

You can keep up to date with all the ways your local artists are helping to keep community alive under lockdown by signing up to their mailing lists….or, better still, go one step further by becoming a member, Friend or Patron and help safeguard the important role arts plays in bringing communities together for audiences now and in the future.  

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The Comeback Survey - Culture before Covid-19
 

Do you run arts events or activities that don't take place in theatres or performance venues?

We're working with @IndigoLtd to research audience attitudes to restarting activity. To be part of it, simply share this link & ask your audience to take part