The original Works Progress Administration (WPA), was created in 1935 as part of FDR’s “New Deal” to help the U.S. recover from the Great Depression. The WPA is well-known for getting money into the pockets of Americans by putting them to work on infrastructure projects—roads, housing, airports, schools, etc.—but, *artists* were also put to work, creating new works of theatre, music, writing, murals, poster-art, and more!

We all know that the economy is currently in shambles due to the fallout from Covid-19. Especially the arts economy.

There is currently a bill in the NY State Legislature, S01141/A02409 which is gaining momentum, to create a new, WPA-style program for New York. Explicitly called for in the language: funding for “staging public performing arts performances.”

Let’s get this bill over the line together!