COVID Impact Survey Data from New York State Council on the Arts

[Editor’s Note] The below information was shared by New York State Council on the Arts in a recent newsletter. I urge you to look through the findings of the full survey for a bird’s eye view of COVID-19’s effect on arts organizations in New York.

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)’s February 2023 COVID impact survey received an overwhelming response rate. 80% (1,293) of NYSCA’s 1,614 FY2023 grantees responded, providing tremendous insights into the state of New York’s non-profit arts and culture recovery.

While signs of improvement are indicated, the sector is still in active recovery mode and experiencing operational and programmatic paradigm shifts. Key data points include:

• Continued reductions in workforce: 47% of respondents reported workforce layoffs and furloughs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 40% of this group report that they have rehired all previously laid off or furloughed staff.
• Decreases in audiences as a result of 1) decreased tourism and 2) a shift towards more hybrid arts experiences: 56% of respondents are expecting fewer annual visitors in 2023 than they did pre-pandemic, with 65% of this group expecting 25-50% fewer visitors than in 2019.
• Decreased revenue (both earned and contributed): 53% of respondents report that they have not returned to 2019 levels of revenue, due to decreased audiences and tourism levels still in recovery.
• Dramatically increased operating costs: Respondents indicate higher staffing costs, shipping/freight, and more expensive materials and supplies. Unique to the arts sector and public venues are the ongoing expenses from COVID cancellations, rescheduling, and health and safety upgrades to older facilities.

Click here to read the survey results.

About ArtsWestchester

Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.