Bonamici, Welch, Fetterman, Reed Introduce Bill to Support Theaters and Grow Arts Economy
WASHINGTON, DC [04/09/24]— Today Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) introduced legislation to support the recovery and growth of nonprofit theaters.
Many nonprofit theaters and other arts organizations have struggled to rebuild after the losses of the COVID-19 pandemic and face lingering declines in attendance and revenues. The Supporting Theater and the Arts to Galvanize the Economy (STAGE) Act of 2024 would create a new $1 billion grant program administered by the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. These grants would support the operation of nonprofit theaters to make payroll, pay for facilities, enhance programming, attract audiences, train workers, and more.
“Arts and culture, including the performing arts, are important to thriving communities and a strong economy,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “In my conversations with nonprofit theater directors and artists across NW Oregon, I’ve heard that many are still struggling to recover from the pandemic and are at risk of closing without additional support. I’m pleased to introduce the STAGE Act with Senators Welch, Fetterman, and Reed to unlock funding for these organizations so they can continue to provide quality arts programming and jobs.”
“The magic a professional nonprofit theater creates doesn’t end with the final curtain call—it reaches far beyond the theater and into our communities by creating and supporting jobs and generating economic activity in our local communities,” said Senator Welch. “But post-pandemic, nonprofit theaters in Vermont and across America have struggled to keep the marquee lit. The STAGE Act is an investment in our communities, in jobs, and in our local economy.”
“The performing arts have long been a driving force for cultural and economic vitality in cities and towns across the country. But in recent years, theaters have faced unprecedented challenges and struggled to stay open.” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading this effort to revive a critical industry. The STAGE Act isn’t just about saving theaters – it's about investing in the communities in Pennsylvania and across the country that rely on these spaces to keep their economies strong.”
“Non-profit theaters bring people together to experience impactful live performances that resonate with diverse audiences. They put community, public good, and artistic expression above profits, while also driving additional economic activity whenever they stage performances,” said Senator Jack Reed. “The pandemic took a serious toll on nonprofit theaters. The STAGE Act shines a spotlight on the important work these theaters and artists do and offers much needed support to continue their mission. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in cosponsoring the STAGE Act to keep non-profit theater doors open so they can continue to engage audiences, promote the arts, and strengthen our communities.”
“Union creative professionals know firsthand the economic and cultural power of the nonprofit performing arts and the critical importance of federal arts funding,” said Jennifer Dorning, President, Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE). “Unfortunately, right now, the reality is that much of the nonprofit arts sector faces financial headwinds that have resulted in less work and fewer job opportunities for members of DPE’s affiliate unions. The STAGE Act will help ensure continued employment in family-supporting jobs for union creative professionals and all performing arts workers, while also supporting needed efforts to ensure a sustainable future for this important sector of our economy. I applaud Senator Welch, Senator Fetterman, Senator Reed, and Representative Bonamici for ensuring that creative professionals were not left behind in this bill.”
“The STAGE Act provides urgently needed funds for the continued vitality of professional non-profit theaters across the country,” said Marissa Wolf, Artistic Director, Portland Center Stage on behalf of the Professional Non-profit Theater Coalition. “Theaters serve their communities as a public good, expand the collective imagination about what's possible for our society, and act as central economic engines in our regions. In a time of rebuilding, as theaters face serious revenue loss and steeply rising expenses in our field, the STAGE Act ensures the survival of these essential cultural hubs. We are deeply grateful for the visionary leadership of Senators Welch and Representative Bonamici, for their significant, long-term support of theater and the arts. Together, we can continue to create transformational theater that creates belonging for all people, for generations to come."
The legislation has been endorsed by more than 200 theaters and national organizations, including the: Professional Non-Profit Theater Coalition; Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC); Theatre Communications Group (TCG); League of Resident Theaters (LORT); National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT); Theatre for Young Audiences/USA; Educational Theatre Association (EdTA); and the Latiné/x Theater Commons.
The full text of the STAGE Act can be found here and a fact sheet can be found here.
Congresswoman Bonamici has been a strong advocate for the arts and arts education throughout her time in Congress. She is the Co-Chair and founder of the STEAM Caucus (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math integrated with Arts education), and a member of the Arts Caucus. In addition to the STAGE Act, Congresswoman Bonamici currently leads the Arts Education for All Act. Last Congress she introduced the CREATIVE Act, which would establish a grant program similar to the STAGE Act for the broader arts economy.
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