Arts Organizations Are Working to Promote a New Bill That Would Suspend Rent for New York’s Struggling Small Businesses and Artists

The New Art Dealers Alliance and the Art Dealers’ Association of
America are encouraging New York’s arts professionals to rally
behind legislation that would provide a 90-day rent suspension for
both residential and small-business tenants suffering financial
hardship amid the global health crisis. If passed, the bill could
offer a lifeline to galleries, artists, art handlers, and other art
professionals whose livelihoods have been threatened in recent
weeks.

Proposed by New York State Senator Michael Gianaris, the bill would suspend
rent payments for eligible applicants “if such tenant has lost
employment or was forced to close their place of business.” The
landlords of tenants could also be eligible for suspended mortgage
payments.

“It would provide crucial relief to many organizations and
individuals working within the arts community, including artists,
galleries, and art handlers, as well as other contractors and
freelancers who are critical to our industry,” the Art Dealers’
Association of America said in a statement, urging its members to
reach out to elected officials and voice their support of the
bill.

Meanwhile, rent forgiveness was one of several proposed relief
measures in a Change.org petition launched
by the New Art Dealers Alliance last week that has amassed some
13,000 signatures. The organization also proposed a freeze on
mortgage payments, utility bill forgiveness, and emergency Medicare
for all, among other measures.

The alliance is now mobilizing to support the bill introduced
by Gianaris. “With April 1st quickly approaching, we have
decided to focus our efforts on supporting to suspend rent for
residential and commercial tenants affected by COVID-19,” a new
petition reads. “We’re
calling on our supporters to help mount pressure on our elected
officials to pass this bill.”

Those who support a rent freeze are encouraged to email, call,
or Tweet their local representative.

The post Arts Organizations Are Working to Promote a New
Bill That Would Suspend Rent for New York’s Struggling Small
Businesses and Artists appeared first on artnet
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