Dear Friends and Colleagues:
The Biden Administration has begun implementing their plans and changes and we wanted to send a brief note to highlight some of those changes, along with additional information from across the Arts Sector.
Artist Travel
As you may have seen, there have been a number of visa and international travel related updates. The Artists From Abroad website contains the latest news that could affect international guest artists, including the status of previously-issued travel bans and links to details about new COVID-19 mask mandates and test requirements.
Ban on Diversity Training Has Been Rescinded
On the first day in office, the Biden Administration revoked the ban that President Trump had placed that sought to prevent the federal government and contractors from conducting training that examined systemic racism, race and gender bias, and white privilege. President Biden's new executive order officially rescinds the ban, which had been blocked by a federal judge.
Please link here for more information: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/
NEA Grant Guidelines for FY22
The NEA has posted the new guidelines for Grants for Arts Projects, including application deadlines. Challenge America guidelines will be released this month.
Additionally, NEA Chairman Mary Anne Carter stepped down just prior to the inauguration and Ann Eilers is serving as the Acting Chair.
Guidance on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Emerges as PPP Fully Opens
We know it may be confusing and difficult to make an informed decision between immediately seeking support through the fully operational Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or waiting on full guidance and eligibility requirements for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program.
Last week, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a Shuttered Venue Operators Grants FAQ clarifying that entities that file an application to the PPP program in 2021 will be ineligible to apply to SVOG, unless the PPP application has been rejected.
The SBA will post further guidance in the coming days and weeks, and all is subject to change as the agency continues to respond to stakeholder feedback before opening the grant application portal. In the meantime, potential applicants are urged to ensure they are registered for the Grants.gov system, which requires advanced preparation and time to complete.
The PAA Government Advocacy Team and all our member organizations are closely monitoring and updating information about the latest federal COVID-19 relief options. Please visit the PAA COVID-19 Resources page, where you may find additional information and links to the service organization relevant to your genre.
Who is My Elected Official
Please visit the PAA website here and enter your zip code to quickly find your representatives and ask for support! Your voice and input is especially important as new COVID relief funding plans are being developed.
Additional information on all our issue areas may be found here. |
