The amount of information out there is as staggering as the relief efforts, but not yet as overwhelming as the ongoing effects of Hurricane Sandy. We want to make sure New Jersey artists and arts groups do not get missed, and are represented at the table when disaster relief funding is discussed. We know the arts in New Jersey are always there for our communities, but we also know you need help now and that you will need ongoing assistance too.
Please take a moment (estimated 4 minutes) to complete this online survey. It’s brief, but your answers will give us some idea of what is happening around the state of New Jersey. We realize that the storm has affected people and arts groups in all different ways—from loss of homes and studios, to loss of revenue due to cancelled performances, workshops, exhibits, etc. Please circulate a link to this blog post to colleagues and friends, and if you know of someone who does not have internet access, we can forward a printed version of the survey. Please have them fill it out and return it to ArtPride NJ Foundation, 432 High St., Burlington, NJ 08016 (or fax it to us at 609-964-1566).
We are grateful that the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response and ArtIsIn, LLC in New Jersey have developed resources following previous natural disasters in other areas of our nation. They are helping coordinate NJ’s efforts to address the variety of situations and circumstances that exist among our state’s artists and arts groups.
Thanks also to the NJ State Council on the Arts for preparing and updating this list of resources. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Community Foundation of NJ are also examining ways to offer assistance. Stay tuned, and add comments or stories/anecdotes at the end of this blog post or on our Facebook page of how you are coping and/or helping those in need. Your input will be really valuable as we develop advocacy strategies moving forward.
Image: NASA satellite image of Hurricane Sandy