“The recent decision by Salt Lake County to temporarily close its performing arts venues came as a tough blow to the arts industry,” writes Keith Carrick, the Utah Symphony’s principal percussionist, in Sunday’s (12/6) Salt Lake Tribune (UT). “The pandemic continues to be a grueling experience for so many of our businesses that depend on the revenue they would receive during the Christmas season. Our performing arts institutions are certainly no different…. At some point in the future, it will be necessary to enact an economic recovery plan, and there can be no economic recovery without an arts recovery.… Our performing arts institutions are an integral part of the economic ecosystem, having a $300 million annual economic impact in Salt Lake City alone, and supporting 40,000 jobs statewide…. Musicians, actors and dancers will play an essential role in the emotional healing and celebration that will take place when we can safely congregate again…. One thought—assuming it’s safe, why not plan a weeklong celebration over the summer to visit together again, see shows, eat out and shop? It may be just the jump-start businesses and institutions will need coming out of the pandemic. Perhaps, Christmas in July?”
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