ART RELIEF CAMPAIGN

We invite those who love the arts and cultural scene to join Berks Arts in addressing the urgent needs of the artists, creatives and art organizations in our community and ensuring the longevity of the arts and culture sector of Berks County.

The Art Relief Fund was established to ensure local artists and art organizations are positioned to meet the needs of the community as the demand on the arts has increased with COVID-19. Grants to artists and local organizations will be based on the amount funds raised during the campaign. Funding decisions will be made by local volunteers and professionals with experience in the arts, business and making funding decisions.

CAMPAIGN PRESS RELEASE ->

Imagine A Day Without The Arts???

Every day, children, adults, seniors, veterans, schools, non-profits, businesses and government utilize varying art forms for entertainment, inspiration, education, therapeutically and healing. Not a day goes by that each of our own personal lives are not impacted by the arts. From listening to the radio, watching a favorite movie, dancing, crafting, playing an instrument to painting and more… what would our day be without the arts???

The Arts Community has taken an active role in providing opportunities for individuals, families and communities to use art for healing, as a coping mechanism, as a tool for inspiration and to engage with social distancing. In addition, many artists (novice, amateur and professional) have turned to supporting our local health and human service organization with the creation of PPE equipment needed for their safety.

A survey of Berks County arts organizations has shown that 80% of programs in 2020 have been cancelled or rescheduled and the 2021 season will be significantly impacted by financial constraints. Sadly, many of our local arts organizations will go into “hibernation” to rebuild for 2021 and 2022 and lean more heavily on volunteers as staff will be reduced. The loss of community and economic funds to our local community based on arts programs is well over $12 million for 2020.

ARTS RELIEF FUND DONORS

• Anonymous

• Michael S. Auman

• Katherine Banks

• Ron Bair and Jude Engle

• Kurt and Carolyn Bamberger

• Kevin Barnhardt

• Karen and David Bensinger

• Brian J. Bubnis

• Frank and Louise Buttaro, Jr.

• Fred Brewington

• Marc Brown

• Teodora Cappello

• Julia Cocuzza

• Connors Investor Services

• Kent and Barbara Davis

• Scott and Michelle Davis

• Lucille DiGiamberardino

• Kay Lynne Dimmick

• Bernice and Pat Donahue

• Mr. and Mrs. Elsayed Elmarzouky

• John and Suzie Ernesto

• Sherri Flippin

• Aaron Gantz

• Rhonda and Terry Hanley

• Dr. Evan Hauck

• Ann Marie Hayes Hawkinson and Kenneth S. Hawkinson

• John Herman and Lisa Tiger

• Jerry and Carolyn Holleran

• Dan and Ellen Huyett

• Mr. and Mrs. Tim Joyce

• Meggan Kerber

• Cynthia Smith Kern

• Sue and Larry Kirk

• Charles Koch

• Mike and Cyndy Kuczala

• Landrigan Family Charitable Fund

• Mr. and Mrs. Craig Laudenslager

• Paul J. Lountzis

• Mama Lucia Italian Meatballs

• Andrew Marker

• Charles Mays

• Bob and Cathy McCormick

• Merito Management Corp.

• Doug Messinger and Sandy Solmon

• Keith Mooney

• Nicole Moscatelli

• Thomas Mosley

• Jo Painter and Mike Hohl

• Law Office of Scott C. Painter

• Performance Toyota

• Craig and Sue Perrotty/PF Foundation

• Lee and Deb Olsen

• Michael and Jayme Rhoads

• Mr. and Mrs. William Rossi

• Jane Runyeon and Donald Kidd

• John Russell

• Robin Santilli

• Shields Family Fund

• Lauren and Brad Sinrod

• Jim and Darcy Stubblebine

• William and Katherine Thornton

• Sharon Troutman

• Warren Uzialko

• VA Productions, Inc.

• Jessica Warchal-King

• Brenecia Watson

• Robin and Bob Wertz

• Douglas and White Foundation

• Christopher Zavecz and Bethany Anderson-Zavecz

• In Honor of John Ernesto and Harry Serio