Gift the power of creativity to Worcester organizations this December.

WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is launching the first Worcester Creative Giving Campaign, an initiative which amplifies the fundraising efforts of dozens of local arts and cultural organizations. The Campaign will run December 1 – December 31, 2020. The public can learn more and find organizations of interest at WorcesterCulture.org/Give.

“From local museums, music and theater venues, and performance groups to galleries, educational institutions, festivals, and beyond, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the continuity of the creative sector,” said Erin Williams, Executive Director of the WCC.

According to a November report from the Mass Cultural Council, artists and cultural organizations in Massachusetts reported $504 million in lost revenue and over 30,000 jobs impacted since March. “Organizations within Massachusetts’ cultural sector were among the first to voluntarily close and will be the last to fully reopen because of COVID,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council.

“During times of seclusion, we rely on arts and culture to bring us comfort and joy, and ultimately keep our community connected,” said WCC Chair Tracy Kraus. She added that, “arts and culture breathe life into our city. Supporting nonprofit and cultural organizations is critical to protecting our city’s vitality for years to come.”

Founded in 2000, the Worcester Cultural Coalition is a public-private partnership between the City of Worcester and nearly 80 cultural nonprofits in greater Worcester. Through collective efforts, the WCC supports and advocates for the arts at local, state, and national levels. “We’re fortunate that Worcester’s creative institutions recognize the value of community,” Williams said. “Because the Coalition formed 20 years ago, we’re not facing the challenges of the pandemic alone. We’re facing them together.”

At the 9-month mark since COVID-19 disrupted daily life in Massachusetts, cultural organizations of all sizes are facing significant financial difficulties. With the next steps around the virus uncertain, the costly operational changes required to ensure safety and fund ongoing programming are out of reach for many. Supporting greater Worcester’s cultural organizations through collective work, the WCC’s Creative Giving Campaign encourages the public to select one or more local organizations which are accepting donations.

“Through public giving support, Greater Worcester’s cultural organizations can raise the funds that may make the difference between closing the book and creating the next chapter,” said Williams.

The Worcester Creative Giving Campaign launching on Giving Tuesday is no coincidence. Donors are gifting the power of creativity to a city when they need it the most.

“After all, what is Worcester without the arts?” Williams asked.

For the full report from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, visit: https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/survey-shows-continued-staggering-impacts-of-covid-19-on-states-cultural-sector/