Crisis to Community:
Artist & Vendor COVID Survey Results Summary
Since 1996, FestivalNet.com has maintained a database of North American fairs and festivals, offering extensive event details for the exhibiting artist, performer, and vendor. We pride ourselves with providing the most event information from coast to coast and serving our members year after year by meeting their event research needs. As COVID-19 raged, changing every aspect of life as we knew it, Festivalnet.com hoped to gain an understanding of the impact and reach of this global health crisis within our community by conducting a business impact survey.
We've read every single reply. To all those who participated, we hear you loud and clear. Something that stood out to us when reading your feedback is people have a desire to connect. Tell their story. Be heard. We hope our response helps move our community closer together than ever before.
To make that hope a reality, we're exploring new and creative ways to serve you with the intention of helping our community survive this most challenging of times, even as our country struggles to find ways to safely allow group gatherings.
For many, dealing with this pandemic unfolded in stages starting with denial and often culminating in some form of productivity and a plan. FestivalNet member Mark Taylor described his experience:
“We simply sat down and said to ourselves we can sit here and feel sorry for ourselves...or we can get our butts into the studio and figure out how to reinvent ourselves and at least survive this event." - IDEA Studio, Hilton Head, SC
While survey responses are still coming in and we might reevaluate our data again, at the time of exporting these results, 3,494 people across the United States and parts of Canada identify in the following ways:
Of these people, 53% have sources of income other than events, which means 47% rely completely on the events market for their livelihood.
73% of those surveyed have not applied for any kind of assistance.
For the respondents who have the capacity to continue their businesses during this time, the majority are turning to social media, online shopping platform sites, improving their business websites and email marketing to assuage any amount of income lost.
Many musicians are utilizing ‘virtual tip jars’ while doing livestream performances on social media. Artists of all walks are getting creative in many ways from offering COVID Clearance sales, teaching tutorials and lessons online, to hosting online parties to showcase their inventory. Mobile food operators have created new ways to bring food to their communities while taking careful precautions to meet all new safety standards. Many crafters are using their skills to now make protective equipment for first responders and the general public.
- Lisa Smith of The Herbal Enchantery in Moreno Valley, AZ has added an essential oil infused hand sanitizer spray to her product line.
- A metal artist in Wikwemikong, Ontario says he's expanding his creative side by taking on jobs which he refused to do in the past.
- Mother Truckin Pizza food truck operator, Kellie Ride in Jacksonville, FL is serving neighborhood family dinners from her food truck, adding online ordering to assign pick up times which allows for social distancing.
- Peter Shafran from Greenburgh, NY who operates River Spirit Music, developed a new VR live streaming platform which can be delivered to artists to create a live show in their homes.
- Debbie Jeffers in Lynchburg, VA who sells mops is now making MASKS with the same material! "Our material filters down below .25 microns."
Not surprisingly, many event industry participants are not working their craft right now. Reasons include having to take new employment in virtual or essential-worker capacity in order to stay afloat, while others cannot afford supplies, cannot receive their supplies, or are unable to realistically transfer their work to our current reality. Others are unabashedly enjoying this time. And, by the looks of our survey, more people are gardening than ever before!
“...While this time has required tightening our belts, it’s not completely devastating. I’ve been enjoying the feeling of freedom I have without any deadlines to meet or things to promote. Just making lots of work and gardening!" - Artist Shoshana Parry, San Rafael, California
"Unfortunately like many vendors, our products sell best when they can be seen in person, touched...tried on. I think online shows are going to be a big part of the new norm, but the in person are SO much better, especially the music festivals." - Craftsperson Lori Trafford, Montana
"I am a henna artist which requires me to be within 1 foot or less of a client in order to do my artwork on their body. With social distancing this is impossible and I don't foresee people being comfortable sitting that close for at least 2 years..." - Lisa Paulger, Jacksonville Beach, Florida
"Honestly, I have found solace in the slowdown. I've been working in my garden, listening to my vinyl collection, homeschooling my kids, and relaxing. I do miss performing, but I don't miss the hubbub of booking shows, teardown, packing, traveling, setup, troubleshooting, soundcheck, and then doing it all again in reverse after the show." - Performer Michael Heinerth, Asheville, NC
Right now, each state and sometimes each county, is creating their own guidelines to phase back businesses, but what does that mean for our beloved festivals? We still do not know. So, for all of us everywhere, there are more questions than answers, more concern than comfort.
"The uncertainty of when this will end, causes me worry. If venues open too early and crowds gather, then am I putting profit before my health and wellbeing? If I invest in fees to join venues, in the future, I'm paying with funds that put a strain on my budget, since my income has been drastically reduced." - Fine Artist, Wylie, Texas
"Festivals are all about large groups gathering. The more the merrier was the modus operandi. HOW is this going to work as long as there is no vaccine, cure, or way to control C19 other than social distancing? Also are vendor tents going to be 6’ apart from each other? How many customers are allowed in a 10x10 tent at one time? Unless we all wear masks those smart enough will be shunned as well as their business." - Retail Vendor Alice Teerakulpisut, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
The uncertainty is daunting, keeping many from knowing how to prepare for the future. Purchasing supplies, planning inventory, booking future shows and travel plans can seem like nothing more than rolling the dice.
"We don't know how long this virus will hold us captive or how soon it will hit again in a second wave. I foresee new social mandates that become the norm in our very near future. Not only will people be more separated from others, but many customs we have lived with our entire lives will change irrevocably. We need to take advantage of this now, and figure out how to continue as businesses in these circumstances so that we can financially survive no matter what comes." - Jennifer Kelly Harvey, Sunnyside, Oregon
For some, this pandemic offers reprieve and renewal; opportunity to expand businesses in ways never before imagined; time to try new things and to cultivate bravery, patience, resilience and resourcefulness.
For others, there is only devastation. Our hearts ache for the small businesses which will not survive COVID-19. We are all wondering when events will be back. Be on the lookout for the results of an upcoming promoter survey with answers to questions such as:
Will there be new refund policies?
Will shoppers have money to spend?
How will attendees and vendors stay safe?
What about social distancing and crowd management?
With potentially smaller crowds, will that mean reduced booth fees?
“This Coronavirus event is a gamechanger world wide. Out of it there will emerge a new "normal". It is changing people's paradigms, and I think online events can take advantage of that.” - Performer Lonnie Shurtleff, La Grande, Oregon
We are morphing and shifting our focus with the times and we ask for your patience. We are asking many of the same questions as you are. Know, that as an industry, your pain is our pain.
“Take care and be safe...... this too will pass. We may be looking at a new normal in the future, but who's to say it may be better in many ways." - Food Vendor Bridget Colburn, Highland, California
"Our new motto: Necessity Is The Mother of Invention. 2020 is The Time to REInvent."
- Craftsperson Lori Trafford, Montana
Artist Amanda Destro Pierson of Elaborate Eyes Face Painting in Hough, Ohio is offering her neighborhood something very beautiful & inspirational every day.
"One thing I am doing to help my neighbors though is putting up a sign in my yard each day with a new positive message. I redraw my sign each morning and my neighborhood has been very appreciative of the effort."
Sharon Brausch in Piqua, Ohio has been busy making masks for first responders:
"I sew and make dog & baby accessories for my business Stitches and Sass. Since the shortage of PPE for frontline workers, I decided to make masks. I'm donating to all frontline workers and selling to the general public. I've made over 600 masks in the past month and have no plans on stopping!"
When asked how she is keeping her spirits up?
"Just watching a lot of things that are positive and funny. And of course, dog videos."
So, in closing, please enjoy my favorite funny dog video. Have a laugh and know we are in this together!
Wishing you well and thank you so much for being a part of our community,
Julie Cochrane
Operations Manager
P.S. Some parts of the survey responses will be saved for later blog posts and articles, such as the resources you find useful. For more ongoing feedback be sure to subscribe to our various newsletters. As a reminder, our survey to promoters is in the works. Please bookmark our blog and come back to our site frequently for updates.
