June 23, 2020

The Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition announced Tuesday that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has established the CultureSECT Economic Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

According to a news release from the Cultural Coalition, the initiative will support local arts and culture institutions, and individual artists. The Cultural Coalition will recommend awards to be made through the Community Foundation.

For nonprofit organizations, the fund will provide operating support and/or "innovative and sustainable solutions for recovery." For individual artists, the fund will provide relief for lost income as well as support for the presentation of virtual and live events.

"The livelihood of our communities has faded, largely due to the loss of arts and culture," Cultural Coalition Executive Director Wendy Bury said in the release. "The sector has been profoundly impacted and has unique needs for recovery, which require dedicated funding."

The Cultural Coalition said it will retain 7.5% of the proceeds "to provide the fund's advisory services and continue to support those we serve."

For more information or to donate to the fund, visit culturesect.org/economic-recovery-fund.