A bunch of Democratic lawmakers is proposing new laws that would supply $1 billion yearly to the nonprofit skilled theater business nonetheless struggling to recuperate from the Covid pandemic.
The invoice, known as the Supporting Theater and the Arts to Provoke the Financial system (STAGE) Act of 2024, has been launched in Congress by Peter Welch (D-Vt.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) & Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). The STAGE Act proposes that the federal government present $1 billion yearly for 5 years in grants administered by the Division of Commerce’s Financial Growth Administration.
The cash can be used to help theaters in “holding their doorways open.”
The proposed laws, spearheaded by Welch, is predicted to be launched in the present day, although the invoice will face an uphill battle in a divided Congress.
An outline of the laws – learn it right here – signifies that regardless of “the intensive financial contributions, this crucial artform is struggling to outlive in a post-pandemic world. Theaters are closing. Throughout the business, audiences are down 20-50% from pre-pandemic ranges. With out sturdy nationwide funding, extra nonprofit theaters will shut.
“The federal help supplied through the pandemic by the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was transformative and stored many nonprofit theaters open. Nevertheless, the business is experiencing a lagging restoration, fueled by profound shifts in viewers habits, financial challenges like inflation, and now federal assist is operating dry. With a brand new infusion of federal help, nonprofit theaters will have the ability to hold the marquee lights burning vibrant for the subsequent technology of theatergoers.”
The grants, in accordance with the outline, may very well be used for paying lease and payroll, and using artists and associated or supporting skilled personnel; attracting new audiences and bills associated to parts for a stay theatrical manufacturing; and investing in business workforce growth.
“Most significantly, funds would make sure the survival of the skilled nonprofit theater business by immediately supporting theaters and funding a examine on sustaining the nonprofit arts sector,” the assertion reads.