Dear Members,
We have several important updates, including updated guidance on the PPP forgiveness application as well as a federal call to action to improve relief programs for the performing arts sector. Finally, we would also like to remind A.R.T./New York Members of our upcoming Town Hall on June 8, which will be a time for our members to share thoughts about the state of the field.
Thank you for joining us in our efforts to advocate for the performing arts in New York and across the country.
Best,
Ginny Louloudes
Updated Guidance on PPP and EIDL Loans
The Small Business Administration has released the Payroll Protection Program loan forgiveness application and instructions. Karen Kowgios of Withum has shared the linked recorded webinar from Withum’s SBA and Federal Tax Policy experts addressing the PPP loan forgiveness process and guidance. Click here to access the recording (registration required) or to view the slides.
Additional clarification has also been issued for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program. This Forbes article provides helpful information about the program.
Federal Call to Action
Performing Arts Alliance and a coalition of national arts service organization partners issued a statement last week outlining a number of Arts & COVID-19 policy requests. Now we need you to take action. Please contact your representatives, and especially your Senators, now.
In response to federal government relief provided to date and to anticipated government investment in infrastructure, the statement includes a number of Congressional requests that address the unique needs of performing arts organizations and professionals. The Performing Arts Alliance has provided an editable draft of a note here. Please consider the following updated talking points when composing your letter:
- Expand and recapitalize the Paycheck Protection Program resources.
- Fully fund the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and remove the $1,000/per employee cap.
- Provide streamlined, low-interest forgivable loans to assist microbusinesses.
- Provide loan forgiveness for nonprofits through the Main Street Lending Program and the Economic Stabilization Fund.
- Expand the duration of pandemic unemployment benefits and make eligible gig workers with mixed income.
- Increase charitable giving tax deduction limit.
- Expand access to health coverage and care.
- Approve substantial funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and other cultural agencies for dedicated COVID-19 relief.
- Enact policies to ensure rapid processing of artist visas.
- Support the arts and work of artists as essential infrastructure investments.
- Include the arts sector in consideration of public health and workplace safety policies.
- Ensure the arts are considered in business interruption insurance and liability policy discussions.
