We write as a coalition of Los Angeles-based literary arts organizations and allies committed to supporting this city’s writers and literary professionals struggling amid the COVID-19 epidemic. We support the prioritization of health and safety measures until the crisis subsides, but request that you include writers and the literary community in forthcoming funding decisions related to recovery from the pandemic, recognizing the essential cultural and economic role they play in our city.

As our communities begin to recover, we will assess the long-term needs of our arts and culture organizations. For example, many spaces that rely on crowds of people such as concerts and performances may see long-term challenges in generating the same revenue from ticket sales, as we strike a balance with keeping our communities healthy. As mayors, we are utilizing all policies in our toolkit to keep these communities thriving, and we will work with our federal partners to do the same, including various tax incentives, licensing, and other legislative needs.

For those of us in the creative field to survive – and recover – after this crisis, we must be able to access the full support intended by Congress. Thus, we would like to highlight a few ways that the CARES Act has fallen short in assisting those of us most in need and hope that it will be instructive in your continued discussions on any further federal funding assistance.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided much-needed relief to many of our members, however, in practice, there are critical gaps in the CARES Act that fail to meet the needs of important organizations in our communities. If cultural institutions like aquariums, zoos, performing arts centers, and museums are to survive this crisis, we request that the U.S. Congress work swiftly to enact the following provisions:

Although all museums are public-facing organizations that serve their communities, the type of experiences that they provide is extremely diverse. Some museums have gardens, outdoor exhibits, or open gallery spaces that can be adapted for physical distancing. Museum experiences and exhibitions that are more tactile or interactive, however, pose unique challenges in reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

From Californians for the Arts: There has never been a more needed time for hope, inspiration and healing and the mental health benefits arts and artists can bring to our communities as well as arts education to our students. Please consider the impact and the benefits the arts and creative economy provide for California as your task force sets out on the hard work to rebuild California. We are ready to lend our support and suggestions for arts and culture leadership to your task force as needed.