$25,000 and counting raised to support Provincetown’s performing arts community
PROVINCETOWN, Mass. (September 8, 2020) – The Provincetown Performing Arts Fund (PPAF), in cooperation with the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and sponsored by The Palette Fund, has raised over $25,000 to support Provincetown’s performing arts community. Applications are now open to receive assistance from the fund. Eligible applicants can apply at https://www.provincetownperformingartsfund.com/apply-1.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing necessary venue closures and social distancing measures eliminated all indoor entertainment in Provincetown. This vital, integral part of the tourist destination’s popularity, culture, and most significantly, its economy was in jeopardy. PPAF was created in June by Provincetown entertainers Jonathan Hawkins and Jon Richardson to support those in the performing arts community who are struggling due to loss of income. This includes performance artists, musicians, DJs, theatre professionals, and technical production staff (stage managers, lighting designers, and others.)
The original goal of $10,000 was met in August and soon was increased to $25,000. Funds were raised through individual donations, private in-home concerts, and a weekly show poolside at the Crown & Anchor, owned by Rick Murray, featuring a diverse lineup of local and international performers including John Cameron Mitchell, Bitch, Varla Jean Merman, Dina Martina, Miss Richfield, Zoe Lewis & The Social Distancers, Elle Emenopé, Qya Cristál, Travis Nesbitt, Edmund Bagnell, Brian Calhoon, and others.
“Provincetown has stepped up time and time again to help those in need in our community,” said Jonathan Hawkins, PPAF co-creator and owner of Live from Provincetown. “So many beloved Ptown performers have used their talents to raise funds for worthy causes, and these artists, whose contributions make up the fabric of our community, now need our help. We are grateful to The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and The Palette Fund for making this initiative possible.”
“We are so honored to help launch and support this great initiative that will allow our beloved performing arts community to remain hopeful and return to working in Provincetown as soon as this pandemic is over,” said Terrence Meck, Co-Founder & President of The Palette Fund. “Provincetown would not be the same without the arts, and we all must do what we can to support each other during these unprecedented times.”
“The arts create jobs, attract tourists, and draw much-needed revenue to the Cape’s year-round economy,” said Julie Wake, executive director of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. “Now is the time to support our artists who bring us so much joy, not just during good times, but difficult ones like we’re currently facing. The Provincetown Performing Arts Fund is a true community collaboration and the Arts Foundation is so proud to support the efforts.”
The fund recently met its $25,000 goal and will continue to raise funds towards a $30,000 goal. “COVID-19 restrictions continue, so we are going to continue as well,” said Hawkins. “Currently, we can offer assistance to more than 25 applicants, and we would love to double that number and help even more of our community, especially before the Winter season.”
Those interested in applying for funds need to meet a set of criteria that include being a full-time resident of Provincetown or have worked in the Provincetown performing arts industry for three full Summer seasons and be 18 years of age or older. The PPAF and Arts Foundation of Cape Cod have assembled selection committees that will work together to choose the recipients. The fund will provide up to $1000 per applicant. Applications are reviewed weekly and applicants will be notified of status within 10 business days of their submission. Funds distribution will begin at the end of September will be distributed until funding runs out.
The list of criteria and application are available at https:// www.provincetownperformingartsfund.com/apply-1. Tax-deductible donations to the fund are still being accepted, and 100% of each donation will go directly to artists in need. To donate, visit https://artsfoundation.org/provincetown-performing-artsfund/.
###
About the Provincetown Performing Arts Fund The Provincetown Performing Arts Fund (PPAF) strives to provide stability and lifesaving support to the community of performance artists in Provincetown, MA, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPAF serves performance artists, musicians, theatre professionals, and technical production staff. The fund’s vision is a Provincetown that supports its vibrant community of performance artists to encourage economic growth, build community, and inspire creativity.
For more information, visit provincetownperformingartsfund.com.
Media Contact: Rachael Brister Public Relations, RCB Communications for PPAF
P: 206-218-8912
E: brister.rachael@gmail.com