This week, Jared Bowen gives us the latest on Coronavirus-related arts closings and an update on its economic impact. Plus, a review of “Pipeline,” which Central Square Theater is now streaming online.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston update: The museum expects to remain closed until at least July 1
As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston tells Jared that they do not expect to reopen until at least July 1. All public programs through August have also been cancelled. The closure is placing considerable financial strain on the museum, which relies on revenue from admissions, its museum shops and dining. Among upcoming exhibitions affected by the closure is “Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation.” Its opening is now uncertain.

Central Square Theater streaming “Pipeline,” the play was recorded before the Coronavirus quarantine and is available for purchase on the theater’s website
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Central Square Theater’s production of “Pipeline” was forced to close two weeks early. Fortunately, the theater was able to record video of their production, and audiences can now stream the show on the web.

"Everyone understood the value of this particular play and the moment,” says Central Square Theater’s Executive Director Catherine Carr Kelly. “The playwright was really terrific in wanting it to get out there… people could use this time to be thinking about how they can change things."

Central Square Theater is offering sliding-scale, pay-what-you-want tickets to stream “Pipeline” starting at $10. Contributions of $20 or more will go toward the “Art is Our Activism - Sustain Us Through COVID-19 Campaign” and are tax deductible.

“Pipeline takes us home—into the anxiety a mother feels simply for having a black son out in the world and in circumstances beyond her control,” says Jared. “A testament to this production is how powerfully it resonates and how palpable it feels even from watching it on a screen. Pipeline is a deeply considered and exquisitely acted drama.”

Mass Cultural Council survey indicates major arts losses. More than 8,000 arts workers are potentially unemployed as a result of Coronavirus closings
The Mass Cultural Council completed an online survey of local artists and arts organizations to measure the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the arts sector. A survey conducted in the five days following Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s public health emergency declaration estimates a loss of $55.7 million in expected revenue from performance and exhibit cancellations in the Massachusetts arts community. The survey also reveals that more than 8,000 arts workers are potentially out of work already as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Company One Theatre postpones the remainder of its season. Productions will shift to 2021
Due to ongoing Coronavirus concerns, Company One Theatre has postponed the remainer of its 21st season. Productions of Clare Barron's “Dance Nation” and Inda Craig-Galvan’s “Black Super Hero Magic Mama” will shift to 2021.

Although these productions will no longer happen this season, Company One says every contracted artist will still receive 50% of their originally planned payment this year.

“I am personally working really hard to figure out how to shift my mindset toward what the future might look like,” says Company One Theatre co-founder and Associate Artistic Director Summer L. Williams, “Building up our local creative economy…that gives me hope.”

The American Repertory Theater postpones the remainder of its 2019-2020 season, “Macbeth In Stride” and “1776” to be moved to 2021 season
Following CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, the American Repertory Theater has announced it will postpone the remainder of its 2021 season. Performances of “Macbeth In Stride” and “1776” will move to the 2020/21 season. Exact dates are to be announced, and ticketholders can contact A.R.T. Ticket Services to discuss their options.

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