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NEFA is proud to work with grantees like Sandglass Theater in Putney, VT.
Mackenzie Doss, Managing Director of Sandglass, shares how NEFA’s support has impacted their work:
“I think the biggest issues facing the arts right now are the same as those felt by people across all sectors and walks of life: concern for the future of our planet, the future of our democracy, gentrification, systemic racism, the safety of marginalized peoples, the rising threat ICE poses to migrants and people of color, the future of arts funding, the housing crisis, the opioid crisis, etc. So many concerns that simultaneously fuel and freeze our work.
But I will say, a singular immediate issue is a question of funding. Without the security of funding, we don't have the freedom to take risks on behalf of our community, risks that may address many of the issues listed above. We don't have a roadmap for this point in time. And, in particular, if the people that work for arts organizations are facing insecurity in their social safety net, it affects the whole organization.
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of arts support, NEFA’s commitment to our programming has been integral in allowing us to continue supporting diverse artists through their careers. From connections through Idea Swap to encouraging getting to know our legislators to maintaining an artist and presenter database in Creative Ground, NEFA does deep work in making sure that our community is more than just a collection of creative islands. Programs like NEFA’s NEST grants have allowed us to pay artists equitable fees, encourage collaboration with other presenting entities, and support deepening connections in rural communities like ours.
What we face feels only navigable through connection, through a recognition of our common humanity and identifying the ways in which we can support and uplift each other. We form and sustain community through our artistic practices, we share knowledge and resources, we center joy and offer safe shared space.”
- Mackenzie Doss,
Managing Director,
Sandglass Theater