The Cultural Alliance conducted two surveys of its members to measure the impact of COVID-19 on their livelihood.

CAFC COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY 1
Sun March 15-Thur. March 19, 2020

Summary

We had 123 responses (consolidating duplicate responses from some organizations gave us 119 final responses), from 43 zip codes across 22 towns.

Almost half (45% were artists), one-quarter (28) performing arts organizations, 9 each visual arts organizations and creative businesses, 6 historical societies 2 museums and 12 others (arts councils, an art school, artists studios; a Business Improvement District; a church; a movie house; a music school; an observatory; a public library; a writing workshop; and an observatory).

At the time of the survey, 37% of respondents replied they were closed to the public and two-thirds of artists had lost work. Two-thirds of respondents had cancelled and postponed events, classes and meetings.

Anticipated financial impact: Generally half indicated loss of work and loss of sales; quarter loss of fundraiser event revenue and ticket sales.

Rough estimate of total financial loss through end of April: 96 replied, ranging from $100 to $500,000, totaling $3.75 million and averaging $39,000.

 Previously Unanticipated Expenses: 25 responders estimated unanticipated expenses ranging from $50 to $250,000, totaling $398,500 and averaging $16,000).

For full report, click here.

CAFC COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY 2
July 27-31, 2020

The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County (CAFC) has released the results of a survey of its members, over the last week of July, to measure the impact of the COVID pandemic on their livelihood over the 15-week period March 16-June 30.82 of the , about one-fifth of the CAFC membership) responded. 

Financial Loss

82 respondents (artists and organizations) estimated their financial loss over this 15-week period at $10.3 million. 

  • The range was from $300 to $3.3 million, averaging $125,604. 
  • Three institutions estimated losses of over $1 million for this 15-week period. 
  • Just 38 were able to estimate the dollar amount needed to ensure their survival until the end of the calendar year, which ranged between $300 and $3.5 million, averaging $202,106 and totaling $7.68 million.

Current situation

41% of the artists reporting severe loss of work due to gallery/performance venue closures, and half of the cultural organizations were still temporarily closed. Of the 71 that said they had lost audiences or clients, 

  • 27 (38%) estimated they had lost between 10 and 50%, 
  • 17 (24%) between 60% and 90%, and 
  • 27 (38%) over 95%. 
  • The total estimated loss was 129,000 audience members or clients. 

Asked about the impact of CT DECD’s Reopen CT Rules on their operations, 

  • 43 (42%) said they remain open, have re-opened or are planning to open
  • 58 (57%) are unable to reopen, can reopen but will not, or don’t know, or are unable to estimate. 

Asked for their assessment of their overall health today and by December, the largest number (around one-third) selected “Fair” in a spectrum of choices ranging from “Strong” to “Critical/Poor”.

Relief

Just 62 (61%) of respondents had applied for any relief grants or programs, with an overall average of a 40% success rate in their applications. Of the 12 options given, 

  • The most popular and successful relief program was the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP), to which 37 applied and 29 (78%) were successful. 
  • Next most popular was the SBA’s EIDL, to which 30 applied and 13 (43%) were successful, 
  • In third place was the CT Office of the Arts CARE Act grants to organizations, that 26 applied for and 12 (46%) received.

For full report, click here.