COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness - Mississippi Arts Commission

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mississippi Arts Commission has worked in emergency preparedness for the arts and disaster recovery to support our constituents before, during, and after times of crisis. We are here to help you or your local arts entity in any way possible.

We are all in this together, and if you need a little encouragement, the video below should do the trick. Keep scrolling to learn about resources and opportunities.

COVID-19 Guidance & Resources

As COVID-19 spreads, we recognize that this health concern presents special challenges for the arts sector, especially those hosting mass gatherings, such as performances, festivals, screenings, and the like.

How is MAC responding to COVID-19?

For Current Grantees: If out of an abundance of caution you have chosen to alter, postpone, or cancel your planned grant activities in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, complete this COVID-19 MAC Grant Change Form. Submit the completed form to Kristen Brandt, kbrandt@arts.ms.gov or mail the form to MAC offices at 501 North West Street Suite 1101A, Jackson, MS 39201.

MAC CARES Emergency Grants: In response to the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, MAC has created MAC CARES Emergency Grants. The program’s current special funding opportunity provides one-time grants to non-profit arts organizations in Mississippi to provide immediate financial support to these organizations due to the income shortfalls created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for this program comes from a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts through the 2020 federal CARES Act.

Other COVID-19 Resources:

Americans for the Arts has created a resource center on their website with an exhaustive list of funding opportunities for artists and arts organizations as well as guidance on re-opening. Americans for the Arts is also collecting data and impact stories through this survey. ArtsReady has also shared information for event venues.

The Mississippi State Department of Health is also providing resources for the general public via its website as well as a call center dedicated to coronavirus inquiries. Call 1-877-978-6453 with any questions you may have.

Below you will find links to documents and resources that may be helpful to you for emergency preparedness and recovery. You should track the information and guidance regarding the outbreak from your local and national health organizations:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Guidance for Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Guidance for Mass Gatherings

Resources for Artists:

COVID-19 & Freelance Artists – listing of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.
While At Home – Listing of Relief Funds and Grants (organized by artist genre and need)
Artwork Archive – Financial Relief Resources for Artists
Foundation for the Contemporary Arts – Emergency Grant for artists in the fields of dance, music/sound, performance art/theater, poetry, and visual arts
The Artist Fellowship – Emergency Grant for Visual Artists
Association of Performing Arts Professionals – Guidance & Resources
Artists in a Time of Global Pandemic – Panel (recorded)
“Coping with COVID: Financial Implications for Creative Individuals” – Creative Capital Webinar (recorded)
Association of Teaching Artists & Arts Education Stakeholders – Webinar (recorded)
“Teaching Theatre Online: A Shift in Pedagogy Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak” by Dr. Daphnie Sicre of Loyola Marymount University
Alliance of Artists Communities – Resources for Artist Residencies

Resources for Organizations:

American Alliance of Museums – Resources and Information for the Museum Field
Association of Art Museum Curators – Resource Page
Performing Arts Readiness – Guidance for Performing Arts Centers
Theatre Communications Group – Webinar (recorded)
League of American Orchestras – Guidance & Discussion Group
National Performance Network – Statement & Resources
Event Safety Alliance – Webinar (recorded) & Slides
“A Comprehensive List of Tips, Tools, and Examples for Event Organizers During the Coronavirus Outbreak” by David Spinks
“The Commonsense Guide to Coronavirus for Events and Conferences” by Brandon Rafalson
Periodic Table for High Concern Communication by Dr. Vincent Covello
33 Item Risk and Crisis Communication Checklist by Dr. Vincent Covello
Message Template: Message Development for Emergency Communication (Source: CDC CERC Manual)

Many national arts organizations have also compiled resources for artists and arts organizations:

National Endowment for the Arts – Resource Page
Americans for the Arts – Resource Page
National Assembly of State Arts Agencies – Resource Page
CERF+ – Resource Page
National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER) – Resource Page
Creative Capital – Resource Page
ArtPlace America – Resource Page

General Emergency Preparedness Plan & Disaster Response

Below are links to resources that we hope will assist you as you create an emergency preparedness plan and as you organize in the aftermath of a disaster.

MAC’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (PDF)

National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response Fact Sheet

National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response Essential Guidelines for Arts Responders Organizing in the Aftermath of Disaster

Crisis Communications Resources

In our increasingly connected world, it should come as no surprise that arts organizations, like all other entities, are vulnerable to public controversies and crises. Several arts partners have assembled helpful plans to guide arts organizations through these times without creating lasting damage.

National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: Communicating about Arts Controversies (PDF)

Oklahoma Arts Council: Crisis Communications Planning

Other local, regional and national resources

Below are a few organizations that provide assistance and support for artists and arts organizations in times of disaster.