Emergencies, Disasters
and The Arts

Meet the Field: Resources You Need in Times of Crisis

When: April 18, 1:30 p.m.

Whom do you call when disasters strike, creating devastation and loss for artists, arts organizations and the arts and culture community? Jan Newcomb with the National Coalition of Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response, and Tom Clareson with Performing Arts Readiness, will discuss the networks of resources and expertise available nationally following a disaster. Learn why readiness and response planning is important to implement now, and have your questions answered about these organizations and others across the nation that are necessary components in your emergency response toolkit.

Craft Emergency Relief Fund: A Support System for Artists

When: May 23, 11 a.m.

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) has been supporting craft artists for more than 30 years by providing support during difficult times. Through grants, training and resources, CERF+ is a conduit for safeguarding your practice as an artist. Ruby Lopez Harper, executive director of CERF+, and Cameron Baxter Lewis, director of grants and programs, will join us to share resources available for American artists to safeguard their livelihood.

The 4-1-1: Making a Case for Disaster Funding in the Arts

When: June 21, 11 a.m.

It’s indisputable that data makes a difference in advancing support for the arts at the local, state and national levels. And yet, no comprehensive national data around disasters and emergencies in the arts exists. Join University of Kentucky researcher and instructor of Arts Emergency Management Leah Hamilton and Houston Arts Alliance Emergency and Disaster Response Director Lauren Hainley to learn about two studies that make the case for data collection and storytelling that result in strong recommendations to move forward the field of arts emergency readiness, response and recovery.

Disaster Declared: Resources for Arts and Cultural Institutions after Large-Scale Disaster Events

When: July 26, 11 a.m.

When FEMA responds to a large-scale disaster, what resources are available for artists and arts organizations? Lori Foley, Heritage Emergency National Task Force director, will share information about FEMA resources, and perspectives on why arts and cultural institutions should advocate for the arts sector to ensure federal support available is federal support received. Also chat with Elaina Gregg, emergency programs manager for the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, and delve into the world of conservation assistance offered in response to the needs of cultural institutions and the public during emergencies and disasters.

Two Disasters: A Kentucky Tale

When: August 23, 11 a.m.

Seven months separated two of the worst weather-related disasters in Kentucky history, both resulting in significant devastation and loss for the arts community. Hear from those who experienced the tornadoes and floods and how these organizations and individual artists are navigating the response and rebuilding process.

September Session: A Preview

Hosted by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

(Registration information will be made available closer to the date)

We all know—either from experience or from the headlines—that unexpected circumstances can cause devastating loss for communities and the organizations that serve them. Circumstances can range from severe weather conditions to technology failure to unspeakable violence. State arts agencies can be leaders in the face of disaster. This session will feature three state arts agencies who have been in the position to lead their constituents after experiencing disaster in their states. We’ll hear about their experiences and learn information that will help to ensure you and your constituents are not caught off-guard when tragedy strikes, but rather can step into action and help restore community well-being.