We are in this together, and we will get through this together.

Purchase a You are Not Alone print in support of Studio Two Three.

Studio Two Three has spent the last ten years investing deeply in the future of Richmond. Located in the heart of the Scott’s Addition district, we support and train artists, provide space for new local businesses, and offer space for family and community events. Working closely with artists and arts organizations across the region, our work builds the unique cultural identity of our city, brings people together in healthy and creative ways, and makes it possible for everyone in our neighborhoods to participate and belong. And our work generates significant economic impact. In Richmond and the Tri-Cities area alone, artists and arts organizations create upwards of 8.2 million annually. In all sorts of ways, arts and culture make our communities thrive.

And right now, we need your help. As the crisis of COVID-19 continues to grow, Studio Two Three has made big changes to ensure the safety of our community. This means cancelling all public events and classes for the foreseeable future, and likely cancelling upcoming community events, art classes, field trips, and workshops. We know that it is the right thing to do. It will help “flatten the curve,” keep our health care systems from being overwhelmed, and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. It will also make it difficult to meet our monthly expenses and keep our doors open. And unlike Wall Street, our industry will not get bailed out.

So we are asking our community to support arts organizations and cultural workers, in any way you can. Buy a gift card from your favorite locally-owned restaurant. Purchase a piece of art directly from a local artist. If you’ve purchased a ticket to a concert, event or class that’s been cancelled, consider making the cost of that ticket a donation to the event host or organization. If you have been thinking about contributing to Studio Two Three or another local cultural organization, now is a great time.

We are not alone in facing these challenges, of course. Our hearts go out to all of the workers who stand to be most impacted by this emergency and to all of the families who are struggling to address a lack of childcare and immediate healthcare needs. Most importantly, please take care of yourselves, your friends, family and neighbors. We look forward to enjoying a new spring together in our wonderful city, after this season of fear and disruption. Thank you for your continued support. We are in this together, and we will get through this together.

*Special thanks again to Ben Fink, for emotional and editing support.
We own what we make, but we owe you.