In This Story
Gaining knowledge of how to be ready for any disaster or emergency is what lifestyle these speakers live through. The Working in the Arts panel series was developed to aid students' learning in classes with direct connections to the everyday experts leading in and around vital topics and challenges in the field of arts management. This panel was moderated by Ruby Lopez Harper, a professor in the Arts Management Program and the Executive Director of Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+). Lopez Harper has an extensive career in local arts advancement, arts marketing, equity strategies, and field education. Lopez Harper was joined by colleagues from the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER) including Jan Newcomb, who serves as the Executive Director of NCAPER, and Mollie Quinlan-Hayes as the Fund Development and Program Officer of NCAPER. Both panelists have assisted in program administration and advocacy efforts across the arts and nonprofit field. Throughout the panel, each speaker made every effort to communicate to students the seriousness of disasters in the arts and the importance of having a plan. As they noted, the impact of natural disasters on arts organizations extend well beyond the immediate issue at hand and can last well into an extended period of recovery as expected and unexpected crises arise.
This workshop focused on ways to strengthen the resilience of arts organizations in the face of risks, spotlighting two key programs: Arts Ready and the Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response program. Both initiatives emphasize the importance of proactive planning and support to ensure the continuity of arts organizations during emergencies. Arts Ready offers training programs, customized emergency plans, and network learning to educate businesses to ensure their preparedness for disasters. These tools are designed to help arts organizations prepare for and respond to disasters by educating staff and equipping them with the necessary strategies to mitigate potential risks. By fostering a culture of readiness, arts organizations can better navigate unforeseen challenges and safeguard their operations. The panel also introduced The Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response program, which assists organizations in recovering from disasters. In addition to focuses on providing Emergency Grants, Guidance on Crisis Preparedness, and Partnership with Emergency Professionals. Ruby, Jan, and Mollie believed that if you have an arts business then it is encouraged for both programs to be implemented into the arts sector.
After attending this workshop, arts organizations attendees witnessed the importance of creating and having a plan in place for any crises that arise. As a member of the dance community, I realized just how vital resources are in creating a safe and secure environment for both artists and audiences in the face of disaster. When establishing a business within an arts organization, it is essential to prepare for a crisis before it is too late. Effective crisis planning not only helps protect artistic assets but also ensures that every aspect of the organization—from operations to finances—is ready to respond if needed. Additionally, disasters also impact the surrounding community and those involved in the arts. That’s why building connections and establishing strong support networks is equally crucial. Arts organizations can use networking to foster support and share best practices with one another, and enhance preparedness, which can lead to an open hand to others for response centers to recover. I am grateful for the insight shared by the speakers which deepened my knowledge and understanding about the critical role of preparedness and community resilience in disaster management.
To learn more and access all resources discuss in the panel. View the Resources Library Here!