Episode 58: Performing Arts Managers and Agents Coalition

Speaking of the Arts

Today’s episode is about a new coalition recently formed to help support agencies during the pandemic. The coalition is called PAMAC, which stands for the Performing Arts Managers and Agents Coalition. This is a group of more than 150 artist managers, booking agents and independent producers in the performing arts industry, with support from 16 arts service organizations, including Americans for the Arts and the League of American Orchestras. In their own words: “PAMAC has united our sector with a mission of working together in collective action to advocate for arts support relief amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are bringing our message to Congressional leaders to urge them to legislate for extensions and recapitalization of funding for the entire arts sector." Joining me to talk about PAMAC is Laura Dunaway and Cindy Liu, both from Park Avenue Artists. Laura Dunaway joined Park Avenue Artists in 2016. Prior to joining PAA, Laura was an agent with United Talent Agency (formerly The Agency Group) where she booked a very diverse roster of artists such as Alison Balsom, Jake Shimabukuro, Jane Krakowski, Kishi Bashi, Snarky Puppy, and many more with orchestras and music venues/series all across North America. Cindy Liu joined Park Avenue Artists in 2018, as artist manager on the teams of Joshua Bell, Daniela Liebman, Ryan Silverman, and Larisa Martínez. As of this recording, the Coalition has received over 10,000 signatures and you can visit https://change.org/artsrelief to learn more about how to support their mission. Full disclosure, I immediately signed up when I heard about it and I encourage our listeners to do so as well. Please enjoy my conversation with Cindy and Laura. Link to APAP's guide to reopening https://www.apap365.org/Portals/1/PDFs/Advocacy/PACC%20Reopening%20Advisory%20%20Draft%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Ver%204.0.pdf