Twenty-nine Marin County arts organizations have received federal aid totaling more than $17 million. The funds will assist in efforts toward recovery from the loss of revenue and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, including closures and limited capacity restrictions.
“Running an arts organization is always challenging, both maintaining funding and creating vibrant programming that serves our communities; in addition to the logistical challenges, the pandemic added a level of personal stress that has made us focus on personal care and support,” says Lesley Currier, managing director of the Marin Shakespeare Company. “Government pandemic aid has allowed us to maintain and expand our staff; this has allowed us to provide virtual and some in-person programming for schools, students and prisons.”
Some venues were used for Covid-19 testing centers or care facilities, while others were forced to close their doors to the public — both of which created a void in the local art scene’s cultural and educational opportunities. Organizations receiving aid include a Petaluma-based company, which runs the Fairfax Theatre, as well as the Marin Symphony, Marin Civic Ballet Association, California Film Institute, the Lark Theater and the Sausalito Art Festival Foundation.
