Stronger Together through Responsiveness: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

Breaking News  

PPP Loan application deadline extended to August 8: The PPP, which was launched in April by the federal government, provides forgivable loans that small businesses and other qualifying entities can use to cover payroll and other select costs. In order to get a PPP loan, small business owners must apply through a financial institution, which then submits the application to the SBA. 

Tarrant County Small Business Assistance Grant application deadline extended to July 7: Funded through the federal PPP program and administered by Tarrant County, the application deadline for the Small Business Assistance Grant has been extended to July 7. The grant, which is available to all for-profit businesses with 25 or fewer employees, can be used to cover payroll costs, rent, lease payments, and certain expenses related to COVID-19 response.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issues face covering requirement: This afternoon, Governor Abbott issued new executive orders in an effort to curb the resurgence of COVID-19. The order requires all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases. Abbott's order goes into effect 12:01 p.m. Abbott's order also allows local officials to restrict certain outdoor gatherings of 10-plus people.

A Look Ahead: How COVID-19 Will Impact Our Cities   

When you’re in the middle of a crisis, it’s difficult to step away even for a moment to consider long-range implications. Difficult, but absolutely necessary. 

City planners and placemaking professionals are already beginning to understand how the coronavirus pandemic is reshaping the way we live our lives. The socio-economic challenges brought to the forefront by COVID-19 must become lessons in bringing about social equity in the future.

Earlier today I had the opportunity to participate in the Business Leaders Series Online live chat with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. In addition to focusing on some of these big questions, we considered some of the big answers to how we can redesign city life with deep consideration to achieving equity and access for all. If you’d like to learn more, click here to view my full presentation, “How COVID-19 Will Impact Our Cities.” 

Levitt Pavilion and Downtown Arlington Partner with Local Businesses   

In a show of cooperation and support for Downtown businesses, earlier this week Downtown Arlington and the Levitt Pavilion Arlington announced a new collaboration in conjunction with the Levitt’s wildly popular online, live music Levitt Living Room Series. 

In light of the resurgence of COVID-19 across Texas, bars were ordered closed statewide last week and in Tarrant County, stricter limitations were placed on public gatherings. Upon hearing the news, Levitt Pavilion Executive Director Letatia Teykl got creative. Instead of live-streaming the Levitt Living Room Series from the stage, she and her team began creating a new opportunity to highlight nearby businesses in Downtown. 

Downtown Arlington jumped at the chance to help with logistics, and the Levitt Living Room Series moved inside Hooligan’s Pub this past Tuesday for the first of the Series’ studio-style reboot. Future concerts will include a combination of live performances and recently-recorded takeover events, all streamed from Levitt’s Facebook Live platform.

This new collaboration highlights Downtown businesses – especially bars, pubs and breweries – during a time when they really need our help. Throughout each event, audiences will be reminded how they can support the hosting business by using curbside pick-up and delivery services. They’ll also learn how to support the Levitt Pavilion by making charitable donations online. More broadly, the new collaboration provides unique environments in which musicians can perform and fans can enjoy while social distancing.

Up next at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, the Levitt Living Room Series will feature The Greyhounds featuring Rock and Roll in partnership with Urban Alchemy. Then on July 14, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is sponsoring the Peterson Brothers in another live streaming concert. More live stream concerts will be announced soon, including Aaron Copeland & Steve Helms at Legal Draft Beer Co. on July 28.

In advance of each concert, be sure to visit our Downtown Delivers platform for a comprehensive listing of dine-in, patio seating, delivery, to-go, and curbside pick-up options throughout Downtown.

Letatia put it best: As we continue to fight the good fight against the spread of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever we remain connected to one another in meaningful and safe ways. This collaboration is an excellent example that leverages the strengths of the Levitt, the incredible talent of Texas artists, and the collegial spirit amongst the business and arts communities in Downtown. 

Free Webinars for Artists and Cultural Partners: July 7 and July 9     

In partnership with the City of Arlington and UT Arlington, Downtown Arlington is over a month into the process of conducting a shared arts feasibility study. In addition to identifying long-term opportunities to lift up all the creative activity that takes place in Downtown, the process is also taking into account immediate needs tied to the economic impact of COVID-19. 

Based on feedback from our local arts community, we’re partnering with Webb Mgmt. to offer these free webinars as a follow up to those offered in June:

• How to Leverage Streaming for Performing and Visual Artists, Tuesday, July 7 at noon:  This webinar will review online streaming practices in the performing and visual arts, using best practices and creative strategies to attract audiences and monetize the event. The session will also include a brief overview of some of the technical and legal requirements one has to consider when streaming events. Come prepared to share your own experiences and the challenges you've faced hosting streaming content.
• Financial Stabilization 3-year Plan for Artists and Arts Organizations, Thursday, July 9 at noon:  Building on the 3-month financial stabilization webinar held in June, this session will address how organizations and individual artists can plan for the future while accounting for the uncertainties of programming, audience demand, and funding streams during the period of economic recovery from COVID-19. 

If you're an artist or represent an Arlington-based arts organization and would like to participate, please RSVP to Elena Thaxton at Elena@downtownarlington.org.

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