Official Statement by the Arts Council of Indianapolis Julie Goodman, President and CEO Indianapolis Artists, Arts & Cultural Organizations, and Audiences Fully Support City of Indianapolis / Marion County Public Health Order Requiring Masks INDIANAPOLIS, IN, July 2, 2020 -- On behalf of the 8 million residents and visitors who attend Indy arts and cultural events and attractions annually, 30,000 local artists and arts and culture workers, and hundreds of arts and culture organizations that contribute $440 million annually to our local economy, the Arts Council of Indianapolis applauds Mayor Joe Hogsett and Dr. Virginia Caine on today’s Public Health Order requiring face coverings in Marion County and the City of Indianapolis. Listening has been at the center of the Arts Council’s COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts - listening to artists, to organizations, and to audiences. And the recent statewide #RestartSurvey by the Arts Council and 12 civic partners representing all sectors of our economy​, confirms strong public support for face-covering requirements. According to the survey of nearly 8,000 Indiana residents, the majority of Hoosiers (65%) said face-covering requirements for attendees and staff would ​increase​ their likelihood to return to events like concerts, festivals, and sports, and visiting venues such as museums, theaters, and restaurants. 23% said it would make no difference in their decision, and only 12% said mask requirements would deter them. Among those who responded to the specific arts and culture questions on the survey, the requirement for all attendees to wear masks was the #1 precaution Hoosiers want to see in order to safely reengage in arts and culture experiences and venues as they reopen. Requiring masks to be worn by all staff and attendees is the top recommendation in the Indy Arts & Culture Reopening and Recovery Guide that has been developed to support the reopening of our sector. Indy’s arts and cultural organizations are unified in our belief that requiring masks is an essential part of our reopening plans. We are grateful for strong support from Gov. Eric Holcomb and this important leadership by Mayor Hogsett, Dr. Caine, and the Marion County Public Health Department to require face coverings to protect public health and safety and ensure a safe and sustainable reopening of our economy, including Indy’s vibrant arts and culture experiences that we know residents and visitors are missing and are eager to support. The Arts Council is proud to partner with the City of Indianapolis on the #MaskUpIndy campaign which features original artwork by six Indy artists to promote the need for face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Residents and business owners can download free posters ​here​. Residents can also request free face coverings from the City ​here​. The Arts Council of Indianapolis is the leading arts advocacy and services agency for central Indiana. For more information, contact Julie Goodman at 317-419-1781 or j​ goodman@indyarts.org​.