Month of fundraising underway for Tuscarawas County fine arts

As COVID-19 continues to take its toll on businesses around the globe, the fine arts community is one that has yet to recover.

Between the months of March - August 2020, the Tuscarawas County's arts, culture and creative sector lost an estimated $1.2 million due to cancelled and postponed performances, productions, workshops and art festivals.

In an initiative to recover lost funds, the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership is hosting their second annual ‘Artober’ fundraiser.

In 2019, Artober was created by Tuscarawas Arts Partnership as an annual month-long celebration of the arts, culture and creative industry in Tuscarawas County. Artober highlights the many events and opportunities to actively participate in the local arts community throughout the year.

As the Second Annual celebration of Artober approaches with many events canceled due to the ongoing pandemic, Tuscarawas Arts Partnership has shifted focus and created a month-long fundraising campaign for the Arts and Culture Relief Fund.

To help offset the negative costs until further state and national aid are available, the Arts and Culture Relief Fund was established with a goal of raising $75,000 to be distributed to the local arts community throughout Tuscarawas County.

Throughout the month of October, local businesses and community members can participate and support the Arts and Culture Relief Fund in several ways.

First: you can visit Tuscarawas Arts Partnership's website to make a donation to the relief fund. Second: visit the Restaurant Partners throughout October to enjoy a meal, coffee or doughnut and donate a dollar in your order for the Arts & Culture Relief Fund. Participating restaurants include The Daily Grind Cafe, Dough Co. Doughnuts and Coffee in Dover, and Pointe Dining. Third: the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas on Saturday, October 17, 2020 for the first indoor event since March for Artober LIVE! A Benefit Concert for the Arts & Culture Relief Fund. All proceeds raised at the Benefit Concert will go to the Arts & Culture Relief Fund. Tickets are available on the Performing Art Center's website at: www.kent.edu/tusc/pac.

"As you enjoy the feelings of autumn this October, surround yourself in the arts, culture and creative industry in Tuscarawas County. Our community is full of creative talent and culture that is truly one-of-a-kind for us. Whether you purchase art from a local maker or contribute to the Arts and Culture Relief Fund, your support matters to keep our creatives creating."