FOCUS: “Support the arts,” group tells federal lawmakers  

Dock Street Theatre in Charleston.

Staff reports  |  Charleston Stage blasted out an urgent email last week urging area taxpayers and arts lovers to get in touch with members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to steer funding to the arts.  

“Our industry is in a huge crisis,” the email said.  “We were one of the first to close during the pandemic in March, and we’ll be the last to re-open. A lot of acts (the DAWN Act, the RESTART Act and more) are on the table. And now, more than ever, we need your help contacting your legislators to support the arts.”

One of the reasons that Charleston wins “best city”awards from travel magazines, the plea continued, is because of its rich arts offerings.

“South Carolina’s arts-related sector adds $9.7 billion to the state’s economy through jobs, tax revenue and spending, and $270 million in state revenue each year. All of which came to a screeching halt under the pandemic.  In addition, all city and county accommodation tax funding to Charleston’s arts organizations has been eliminated due to COVID.

“Charleston Stage alone has over 40,000 patrons a year who attend performances at the historic Dock Street Theatre. Our patrons stay in area hotels; take Ubers, Lyfts and pedicabs; park in city and county garages; and eat at many local restaurants. Charleston cannot afford to lose our local arts Industries. …

“Almost all of South Carolina’s 115,000+ full-time arts professionals, whose work and spending contribute to S.C.’s economy each year, are now unemployed due to COVID. Keep writing, calling, sharing and tagging your legislators to vote in favor of the arts.”

Charleston Stage has postponed the opening of its 43rd season until January.

Federal contacts:

• U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham  |  (202) 224-5972
• U.S. Sen. Tim Scott | (202) 224-6121
• U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn | (202) 225-3315
• U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham | (202) 225-3176