URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Fall_2020_Melissa-McCarthy

and galleries. For many artists, the postponement of their exhibitions has put a pause on years of work and added a level of uncertainty to selling art.” In response to the pandemic, the Providence Art Club produced virtual catalogues of artwork available for purchase, postponed exhibitions, offered virtual studio tours, increased its social media presence, and offered lectures, demonstrations, and studio classes via video conferencing. Rose said there will likely be a dip in art sales — with the exception of high-end galleries, whose clientele is likely to be more protected from the economic onslaught that has accompanied the virus. “In the long-term,” Rose said, “I think many of the online initiatives organizations have adopted will remain and become integrated into their regular strategy.” Throughout these trying times, the arts remain a vital, irreplaceable anchor — a means of comfort, escape, and discovery, and a reflection of what it means to be human. But, the harsh reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic has already led to a loss of approximately $4.5 billion across the arts and culture industry, according to a recent survey from the nonprofit organization Americans for the Arts. Despite this massive loss, leaders in the arts community, as well as individual artists, have not ceased offering innovative content, programming, and experiences through this challenging period.

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