We are entering challenging and unprecedented times, especially for our region’s many creative communities. “The familiar refrain of ‘the show must go on,’” writes Mark Sommer for The Buffalo News, “can’t compete with a more sobering declaration: a state of emergency.” With news of theater productions, literary readings, concerts, and more being postponed every day, we know that the arts sector is being hit hard. We hope that you and your families are staying safe.
We are continuing to update our COVID-19 resource list for arts organizations and artists. If you have an additional resource to share, please reach out to us at info@asiwny.org.
We also want to promote the many event alternatives, including streaming events, virtual tours, and other programs accessible online, that our region’s artists and arts organizations are offering. Please email us at info@asiwny.org if you have a listing you would like us to include.
We are grateful for your continued support during these unimaginable times. Below please find a roundup of how Arts Services Initiative is responding to COVID-19, including the programs that are particularly affected.
Office Closed
Our office at the Tri-Main Center is closed until further notice and staff members are working remote. We are still able to check our office voicemail, but we recommend reaching out via email. For a list of staff email addresses, visit the Staff & Board page of our website.
Lawyers for the Arts
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patrons, staff, and volunteers, we are postponing the April 4 edition of Lawyers for the Arts, presented by Dansa D’Arata Soucia LLP, Hodgson Russ LLP, and KeyBank. We are working with representatives at the Tralf Music Hall to reschedule a new date. Ticketholders may use their tickets for the rescheduled date.
Spark Awards
We are closely monitoring news and updates of COVID-19 as they continue to evolve daily, and we plan to make a decision regarding this year’s Spark Awards on May 13 as the event approaches. We appreciate your patience as we explore all of our options. In the meantime, we plan to continue highlighting our honorees in virtual weekly Spark Spotlights to celebrate the important work they’ve done in our community.
Arts Access
Because the ASI office is closed, we are currently not accepting walk-ins for new and existing Arts Access pass-holders to receive or renew memberships. However, interested individuals may still sign up or renew via email; please contact program coordinator Jess Trainor at artsaccesswny@gmail.com. We are also currently suspending all transportation requests until further notice.
