An Update to Our Valued Patrons:
In the week since our buildings were temporarily closed due to growing concerns over COVID-19 by the Warren County Fiscal Court, I want you to know SKyPAC staff have been busy working to reschedule as many of the affected performances as possible. Patrons holding tickets for shows within the present March 16 through April 10 public closure period have either already been or will be contacted by the ticket office on the status of that performance and your options moving forward (please click here for more information).
As you consider these options, we ask that you please keep in mind SKyPAC is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and grants in order to make ends meet. Like so many small businesses and restaurants who have seen their ability to generate income cease nearly overnight, we too very much need your support and patience as we try to work through this challenging time. Our usual stream of ticket sales and rental opportunities has been reduced to nothing while our payroll and facility expenses continue on. The reality is that in difficult times such as these, the arts are usually the first areas in which people choose to make cuts, both in giving and in attending performances. This further compounds an already challenging situation that has thus far resulted in the postponement or cancellation of at least nine popular and profitable shows at both SKyPAC and the Capitol Arts Center.
From multiple full time and part-time staff to a host of contract workers who do everything from help facilitate our ever-changing art galleries to technical crew members that coordinate shows and bar and concession workers that rely on SKyPAC for household income, we have a significant impact on the economic health of this region in both good times and bad. As is the case facing so many performing arts centers who now find themselves in the very same situation, the implications of having to do a mass return of ticket sales would be financially devastating.
SKyPAC is proud to be among Kentucky’s top performing arts venues, but that distinction does not come without a price. Unfortunately, we are seeing that price continues to climb without any ability to generate additional income to help offset it. A thriving performing arts center brings immense value to the region and your loyalty over the years has been greatly appreciated. If you are proud to have SKyPAC as a part of this community we ask that you please consider taking action to help ensure it continues amid these especially trying days. If you have tickets for an event that was canceled or postponed, instead of automatically requesting a refund, please consider either making this a donation to SKyPAC or transferring it to a gift card for future use.
Additionally, we have set up a COVID-19 special relief link for those who would like to donate to support the SKyPAC hourly staff during this difficult time. Please go here to donate today.
These are challenging times for everyone, especially nonprofit organizations like SKyPAC. We remain committed to this community and we hope this community remains committed to SKyPAC. For our part, we hope to offer virtual opportunities for patrons to stay engaged with everything from online backstage tours and gallery visits to educational opportunities to keep kids involved while they are out of school. Stay connected to SKyPAC for opportunities such as these as well as announcements related to performance rescheduling and more.
I know there is still much uncertainty with the current COVID-19 situation, but as one of the most famous sayings from our industry proclaims, “the show must go on.” As exemplified by the countless healthcare workers and emergency personnel who are presently answering the call or the small business owners who are evolving daily to meet the needs of this community, SKyPAC is determined to rise to the challenge posed by this unprecedented situation. While we look forward to welcoming you back to our facilities as soon as we can safely proceed with our regular operations, we welcome your support during this time and in the future as this consideration is needed now more than ever. If nothing else, we hope the joy of a SKyPAC or Capitol Arts Center performance gives you something to look forward to while practicing “social distancing” inside your homes!
Thank you and please stay safe.
Thomas J. Carto
President & CEO
Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center Foundation
