Forecast is launching a national initiative to support public artists and public art program administrators during this pandemic.

We will immediately begin to offer pro bono consultations and technical support to any public artist or public art administrator based in the U.S. and the Native nations that share the same geography from now until May 31, 2020, as a response to the mounting effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

We are acutely aware that — due to the shelter in place orders, protections in place for social distancing, and a wave of closures and cancellations nationwide — public art program administrators and artists are navigating unprecedented circumstances. Our team is ready and well-positioned to help public artists, administrators, and programs respond to these difficult circumstances.

In response, Forecast will be reallocating our own time and resources to provide up to one hour of consultation; where necessary, follow-up consultations may be available. There will be NO fee for these services.

In particular, Forecast will help with:

-Adjusting programs, schedules, contracts, and policies to continue much-needed support to artists and keep projects moving forward;
-Connecting public artists to resources, funding, relief programs, networks and tools for support;
-Making the case for the continued support and value for public art and public art funding in this time;
-Developing creative strategies for equitable selection processes, community engagement, and other activities in a time of social distancing;
-Aligning your program or project to support critical and current needs in your community; and
-Making recommendations for adjustments to public art master plans.
-If you are interested in our services, please complete this simple request form. After review, Forecast will pair you with a consultant who will schedule a consultation with you.

We know that not all people and communities are experiencing this crisis in the same way or to the same extent. Historic and structural inequities amplify the effects of COVID-19 in communities of color, immigrant communities, and indigenous communities. To counter these disparities, Forecast will place particular emphasis on supporting these communities and will prioritize requests as such.

If you don’t need consulting support at this time but have experience, expertise, and time that you are willing to offer to help others, please contact Jen Krava at: consulting@forecastpublicart.org.