Update from Fremont Arts Council:

How is the impact of COVID-19 going to affect the Fremont Arts Council and what is the Board of Directors response? 

Engaging community to cultivate the spirit of celebration where everyone is an artist.

We hope this letter finds you well. With the ever-evolving situation that is COVID-19 and the social distancing measures required, these are uncertain times for all of us. We have, in a matter of days, watched our arts scene grind to a halt. Many of us have lost jobs, incomes, and opportunities but we hope that with these measures and sacrifices, we are helping to save our more vulnerable population in the long term. Below are three Q&A related to future events and grants AND resources to get help and help others.

How is the impact of COVID-19 going to affect the Fremont Arts Council and what is the Board of Directors response? 

The Board is following guidelines for social distancing. This means currently, the FAC is no longer accepting supply donations or allowing builds at the Powerhouse. All FAC meetings are cancelled until the City feels it is safe to resume social gatherings. The Powerhouse is closed until further notice.

How is the impact of COVID-19 going to affect May Day and/or the Fremont Solstice Parade and Celebration? “The City of Seattle announced that effective at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, all Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) permitted events will be canceled until at least April 13, 2020.  Please see the press release here.  The City of Seattle announced that effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) street and sidewalks events will be canceled until at least April 13, 2020.  Please see the press release here”

Which means- we don’t know yet. What we can tell you is that the Board is still planning these events but with realism and caution. We are doing our outreach, research, and arrangements with as little investment of money as possible right now. Our best hoped for scenario is that planning now will allow us to move full steam ahead when the city gives us the permission to do so later in the Spring. If the city cancels our events, we hope that by being fiscally conservative now, we will be able to weather this strenuous time and gather together later in the year.

What does this mean for Ensembles and McKay Grant Applicants who want to be in the Fremont Solstice Parade?  Please continue to plan your ensemble! Please apply for grants! Applications are free and still open! We still hope to have a parade and we can’t do that without YOU! Consider that you may not have as much time or resources as normal to create your parade art- will that change your design or plan? While this is a stressful time, it could also be a period of creative planning – what could you make if you only had 2 weeks notice? 1 week? Could you reuse a prop we already have? Could you make costumes or props with what you already have? How wildly creative can you be?

Please know- we love this organization; we work hard for this organization and we want the FAC to stay strong and healthy and shine brightly for Seattle when the time comes. We look forward to seeing you all making art, smiling, and enjoying the spring time soon!

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Be Well!

The Fremont Arts Council Board of Directors

P.S. For those in the Seattle area, there are ways to help and get help everyone get by. A few links below.

1. Donate to the Seattle Artists Relief GoFundMe Amid COVID-19

2. Apply for the Seattle Artists Relief Fund

2. Seattle Foundation: COVID-19 Response Fund

www.FremontArtsCouncil.org  | Facebook | Twitter | InstaGram

Powerhouse | 3940 Fremont Avenue N | Seattle, WA | USA | Center of the Universe arts@fremontartscouncil.org