Culture in the Age of Covid: Voices From the Field

Arts leaders in Westchester speak out about their COVID-19-related recovery plans:

“The reopening rules need to be different for small organizations like ours than for large multi-seat theaters.  We have 11,000 square feet…enough space for social distancing for our classes and our studio artists.” – Emily Peck, Executive Director, Clay Art Center

“While our region remains on pause, we offer a robust calendar with upcoming readings, intensive classes and our recurring events.” – Krista Madsen, Managing Director, Hudson Valley Writers Center

“Many of our revenue sources have dried up due to COVID-19. Rental income is now dormant. We had a good business, where we rented specialty props to other theaters around the country. That has also dried up. What’s a specialty prop? Things like a magic chalkboard and a disappearing cake for the musical Matilda.” – Steven Abusch, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Play Group Theatre

“PJS Jazz Society is hopeful that the local lock-down will have been lifted by our first concert on September 13, 2020. If social distancing measures are in place, we are prepared to change the layout of our venue.” – John Brathwaite, President, PJS Jazz Society

“With everyone working online, the sculpture walk is a safe, beautiful and educational way to have a ‘real life’ experience, appreciate art within the beauty of the Hudson Valley/Hudson River landscape, and be inspired. The sculpture and art trail in Peekskill will be expanded exponentially if Hudson Valley MOCA receives the funding it needs.” –Livia Straus, President, Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art

“Right now, I am trying to figure out how to present orchestral music to a socially-distanced audience. With six feet in between individuals, we could seat only 130 people in the Performing Arts Center’s 1,300-seat theater.” –Josh Worby, Executive Director, Westchester Philharmonic

“We made a decision to continue our landscape restoration to offer more outdoor areas for enjoyment.” – Howard Zar, Executive Director, Lyndhurst

“This is a time when the arts are of particular importance – to lift our spirits, keep our minds and imaginations active, to inspire, and to challenge us amid the disruptions of our normal routines and the closure of all the museums, theaters, concert venues, cinemas, and other places we would ordinarily congregate to enjoy and celebrate the creation and presentation of the arts.” – Valerie Leis, President, Board of the Croton Council on the Arts

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.