SALT LAKE CITY — The coronavirus pandemic has delivered a significant blow to Utah's arts and culture scene, according to a new report.
The Utah Cultural Alliance, an advocacy group for the arts community, said a survey it conducted found the cultural sector of the economy has already lost $29 million. In addition, 642 jobs have been lost with another 4,000 in jeopardy.
The UCA has been tracking events that have been canceled. It's a sobering list of concerts, ballets, plays, festivals, games, films, gallery strolls, lectures and other events that might draw a crowd and, therefore, spread pandemic.
"While the sector is in need of significant financial investment to survive these trying times, it is also adapting," UCA director Crystal Young-Otterstrom said in a statement announcing the survey.
A number of concerts and other arts events are moving online. Her group has posted a growing list of "virtual events" at NowPlayingUtah.com. They include the Repertory Dance Theater hosting classes online, seminars on self-preparedness, and the popular Art & Soup charity gala holding a virtual event.
UCA has launched a petition drive to push government leaders not to forget the arts in any economic recovery efforts.
