Most arts organizations across Arizona have been impacted by the pandemic. Some qualified for federal assistance. But others did not. Now there may be help on the way.

The Arizona House of Representatives recently passed HB 2755, a $5 million bill that will provide funds for the arts community. 

If approved, this one-time emergency relief fund will be distributed to arts organizations across the state by the Arizona Commission on the Arts. 

Rep. Daniel Hernandez Jr. is the primary sponsor for this bill. 

“We’ve had a lot of arts institutions be severely damaged by the fact that they may not have qualified for some of those things like the PPP loans, especially some of the small nonprofits that really are volunteer run but maybe have one or two people who are on staff,” Hernandez said. 

Even though this bill is for immediate relief, Hernandez says he is hoping to establish a permanent yearly allocation for the arts community some day. The bill is currently awaiting final approval in the senate.