In these challenging times, we want to reassure you that the Board of Trustees and the Museum Staff are taking important steps to continue providing engaging online opportunities to the public. We are also preparing to open the Museum once we are safely able to do so following the guidance of both the Mayor and Governor.

Like most businesses, our closure and the cancellation of our events and spring classes have resulted in the loss of significant revenue and many furloughed staff. With everyone’s health and safety in mind, we also made the difficult decision not to move ahead with our largest fundraiser, the Garden Party, and have instead planned a summer giving campaign.

Here’s the good news: we have been fortunate to receive emergency grants through the Barr-Klarman MA Arts Initiative, the Community Foundation of Southeastern MA and other funders. We also received funding through the federal Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act, which will allow us to bring back our highly valued staff. It’s our commitment that we end the year in the black, and are actively seeking opportunities to replace lost income.

In addition to navigating finances, Executive Director Ashley Occhino and her limited staff have been resourceful and innovative with reaching our existing audience and new patrons online, including:

Converting current exhibitions to a virtual format, allowing an even larger audience to enjoy pieces from Excavation, She Pern.sisted, Steppin’ Out, and the upcoming Members’ Exhibition

Producing Creative Convos, which engage artists and curators in discussions about their work.

Providing vital resources for artists to apply for relief funding.

Pivoting our Invest in Kids program from an in-person art program at one elementary school  in New Bedford to a free online program that anyone can access.

These offerings and more can all be found on our social media pages and website, which we encourage you to visit often as new content is added regularly.

We understand that everyone has been affected by the current pandemic. The sense of community and togetherness found in our organization is more important today than ever before, and will continue to be as we navigate together in a new normal.

We are actively planning for a bright future, and want to thank you for your continued support of NBAM/ArtWorks!.

Sincerely,

The Board of Trustees