Every summer for nearly nine decades, the world-renowned Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters have brought together families, artists, volunteers, and people from around the globe to Laguna Beach to celebrate the arts. However, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic the Festival of Arts is faced with unprecedented financial uncertainty as to continuing preparations for its summer Fine Art Exhibit and Pageant of the Masters, placing it in the unusual position of asking for assistance.
“Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by this global health crisis. The unexpected impact of COVID-19 has created a climate of uncertainty and, understandably, Pageant ticket sales have slowed significantly,” said David Perry, President, Festival of Arts. “If the current depressed pace of sales continues, we expect there will be insufficient revenue to support production of our summer programs – all of which sustain a varied array of benefits to our patrons, volunteers, artists, summer employees, members and the local community.” Pageant ticket sales account for 85% of the Festival of Arts budget.
The organization keenly feels a responsibility to the greater community to make every effort to showcase its famed Pageant of the Masters and Fine Art Exhibit this summer and be on the forefront of the “get back to normal” effort. Perry shared: “We’ve been a part of a SoCal tradition since the early 1930’s, and we are not prepared to throw down our paintbrushes without engaging in this outreach program.”
To help the Festival of Arts, visit www.foapom.com/supportnow. Support options include:
- Ordering Pageant Tickets Now
- Gifting tickets to COVID-19 Frontline Responders through Masters at Giving program
- Donating to the Festival of Arts
In addition to aiding in production expenses of the Pageant of the Masters and fine art exhibit, financial assistance will also facilitate the Festival’s support of working artists, granting of art scholarships to college students, sponsorship of arts education programs, and access to the fine arts for the broader community.
An essay written by Festival of Arts founder John H. Hinchman in 1934 continues to ring true today more than ever: “It is the people who buy the arts, go to the dances, applaud the actors, or take part in its pageantry that really make the Festival of Arts.”
Tickets to the Pageant of the Masters performance “Made in America” start at $20. A Pageant ticket is also a season pass to the 2020 Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, scheduled to run July 8 – September 3, 2020. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com. To support the Festival of Arts visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.