Now, more than ever, the arts continue to enrich our lives in ways most of us probably never even considered. Yet how much longer would be the days of isolation without music, without drama, without books, and without film? Without these connections – these interactions with creativity and humanity – we really would be isolated. At their core, the arts are not about escape. They are about enrichment.
Unfortunately, when the going gets tough, it’s usually arts funding that is the first to be slashed. Even in the best of times, most arts organizations and nonprofit media tend to live hand-to-mouth. The lost revenue of a single cancellation, a dropped gala, or a delayed membership drive can be devastating. An enforced closure of only a few months, exacerbated by a loss of funding from most sources, including ticket sales, subscriptions, and private donations, has already driven too many organizations to close permanently. This sets off a ripple effect that further diminishes the options for freelance artists.
As we continue to enjoy all the creative, innovative, and free content being streamed on the internet or broadcast over the radio, understand that much of it comes at great personal cost. It is an offering and a sacrifice from those who create it. The arts are media for expression, for communication, and for human connection. While it’s true that artists need to communicate, is there any other field in which it’s taken for granted that one can walk into a place of business and expect to get something for nothing?
Now, more than ever, your favorite arts organizations need you. If you’re in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to The Classical Network and the other non-profits that continue to enrich your life.
A loss to the arts is a loss for all of us. Help us to continue to do our part to share beautiful music, live concert broadcasts, and engaging interviews with representatives of our artistic community, through your donation today, at wwfm.org.
And please spare a thought for your favorite music ensembles, theater and dance companies, museums, non-profit movie theaters, and other organizations that serve to lift your spirit, touch your heart, and replenish your soul. Help foster the arts, as they have always fostered us. Thank you for your generosity.
#GivingTuesdayNow – today – is a call for charitable endeavors to help lift the weight from the shoulders of those most effected by COVID-19. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together to assist health care workers, small businesses, truly isolated individuals, and non-profit organizations.
Tune in at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT, to hear Rachel Katz talk with Jamie McDonald, chief strategy officer of #GivingTuesdayNow, on today’s edition of “On a Positive Note,” on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.
