This blog is a collaboration among organizations committed to the health and well-being of artists:
“Peace of mind.” That’s how one artist described the feeling after crafting a readiness plan. And it’s true! You can proactively limit risks and protect your assets by thinking ahead about factors that might impact or interrupt your creative practice. Taking simple, straightforward steps to create a plan allows you to better control your destiny and brings peace of mind.
As performing artists, your career has unique dynamics to consider when preparing for a crisis. September is National Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to carve out a little space in your schedule—just 30 minutes a week can go a long way!
Four Action Steps to Create Your Plan:
Step One: List Your Assets
Think about all the things you need to carry out your artistic practice. These might include:
Physical spaces: Home (if you work out of it), rehearsal/studio/performing spaces, office, and storage areas.
Physical items: Instruments, costumes, props, sets, technology, computers, recordings, archives, contracts, business contacts, vendors, funders.
Events: Performances, rehearsals, festivals, tours, and classes.
Relationships: Company members, agents, managers, presenters, producers, audiences, students, donors.
What can you least afford to lose? Make a list of the most critical things related to your practice and career—one-of-a-kind instruments, work samples, manuscripts, or contact lists.
Step Two: Assess Risks and Vulnerabilities
While it’s ideal to prepare for all types of emergencies (all-hazards planning), start by considering the most likely risks based on where you live and work, such as:
Theft/vandalism
Strong storms (wind, rain, flooding, lightning)
Blackouts, fire, or cyberhacks
Economic downturns or climate change
Drought, violence, or terrorism
If you tour or participate in residencies, be aware of the environment you’ll be entering. Consider how a storm or illness could impact your ability to work or access a performing space.
Step Three: Protect Your Assets and Minimize Risks
Brainstorm ways to protect the assets listed in Step One and minimize risks identified in Step Two. For instance:
Digital work samples: Invest in cloud storage, a hard drive stored off-site, or both!
Costumes: Use waterproof, pest-proof storage containers stored away from the floor and windows.
Paper and digital records: Store duplicates in multiple locations and consider a fireproof safe for originals.
Other mitigation actions include:
Keeping your computer/software updated to prevent data loss.
Buying the right insurance (business, flood, renters, etc.).
Committing to a savings plan for emergencies.
Understanding your contracts in case of a disaster (Force Majeure clauses).
Ensure devices are charged and keep an emergency kit with chargers, lights, and contact information on hand.
Step Four: Create Your Emergency Plan
In the event of an evacuation or shelter-in-place scenario, decide ahead of time what steps to take, what items you’ll need, and how to communicate with key contacts. Prepare a vital contacts list and gather important documents in both hard-copy and online formats.
Some questions to consider:
Evacuation: What will you do to secure your space? Where will you go?
Communication: Who needs to know about cancellations or relocations? Keep a list of family, colleagues, and staff.
Create an emergency "Go Kit" with essential items, such as:
Contacts (family, friends, agents, managers, venues, doctors, insurance agents)
Copies of insurance policies, EIN documents, cash, medications, and essential art assets
Chargers, portable hard drives, and clothing
If you tour or rent performance spaces, ask for a safety tour during your first visit and learn where fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located.
NCAPER: strengthening the arts and culture sector’s capacity to respond to disasters and emergencies, promoting resilience through collaboration, planning, and advocacy.
ICA: Protects, Preserves, and Enriches our shared heritage of art and material culture through conservation, advocacy, and education. Their logo is attached.
MusiCares: Founded by the Recording Academy, MusiCares supports the health and welfare of the music community through financial grants and crisis relief programs. Learn more at musicares.org.
NCAPER: A task force ensuring artists and cultural organizations can respond effectively to disasters.
NYFA: Provides critical support and resources for artists and arts organizations.
Performing Arts Readiness: Helps performing arts organizations prepare for disasters through knowledge and expertise.
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