Michael Spring, director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs sent out a notice on Thursday in an effort to reconnect with the cultural community to see what impact Hurricane Irma had on arts groups and the economic impact it will have on Miami-Dade presenting groups.
Michael Spring
Spring, who is also senior advisor in the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor, told recipients that the mayor's office was still out and "we ... do not know when we will be able to return," but promised they would stay in touch with organizations.
The letter read:
"We understand that you may be struggling to address personal and professional issues all at once in the storm's aftermath. We want to begin to reconnect with everyone and understand the impact of Hurricane Irma on the cultural community at the start of this new season."
The letter included a link a preliminary damage assessment form, so that groups can make the office aware of the scope of the storm's impact on you: http://miamidadearts.org/content/hurricane-irma-2017-preliminary-impact-assessment-cultural-damage-report.
"We understand that this will be by necessity, a preliminary assessment. In addition, depending upon how long recovery conditions interrupt your programs, we will post a projected revenue loss assessment survey." Spring said that groups could respond as they were able and that there was no deadline.
"Please be careful as you work to get your lives and organizations back in order. All of us at the Department of Cultural Affairs understand the pressure that you are under and are here to support you to the best of our ability."
Spring suggested groups monitor the county's web site at http://www.miamidade.gov/emergency and the department's web page at www.miamidadearts.org for important information about recovery and resources.
