It is no secret that industries across all fields are suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. Perhaps one of the most impacted is the creative industry. This group of creative workers often rely on live performances and in-person collaborations. Because of the nature of this virus, the arts industry cannot produce the services which support the industry without endangering the creative workers and the consumers. What was once an industry that created many jobs and revenue is now facing a devastating amount of unemployment and loss of wages. The creative industry must manage the challenges it currently faces during the pandemic, but also begin addressing a recovery plan for post-pandemic times.
When the pandemic hit, the arts were incredibly affected. 2.7 million jobs have been lost and a horrifying amount of businesses directly related to the arts have had to close their doors permanently due to the lack of relief funding from the government and inability to offer goods and services during such a time. And though there has been some government relief, there has only been 40 million in aid from the CARES act. This doesn’t even begin to cover the 150 million dollars of lost wages for the creative industry. It is going to be more important than ever to look at upcoming plans for recovery efforts and advocate that the creative industry be heavily included in all policies.