Support and enhancement of the artist economy for St. John is critical to a sustained long-term recovery. Art is one of the top three contributors to the U.S. economy, adding more to the economy than agriculture, transportation and warehousing, according to data from the National Endowment for the Arts. Many of the artists on St. John are stretched very thin and have had limited assistance with recovery.

There was almost no help for artists to get back on their feet. While some may have been eligible for an SBA loan, many did not or could not tap into that assistance. Overall, artists are having a difficult time, post-storm, making ends meet - challenged with fewer tourists available to purchase goods, while trying to rebuild physical structures to house their businesses, as well as lost inventory. Many artists are trying to work other jobs if possible, have limited time to create and lack space to do their work. Many also struggle with marketing their work and reaching beyond the Virgin Islands. In addition, individual artists and art teachers are not eligible for grants because they are not part of a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Expanding and supporting the arts involves a holistic and long-term approach. Relevant programs could include: providing working space for artists, creating a low-interest loan fund, incorporating workforce development, partnering with the National Park to develop Arts in the Parks, increasing the number of arts and music events and supporting youth programs such as the St. John School of the Arts and the Pan Dragons.

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS: 1. The Team: Continue collaboration with the various arts related organizations including St.JanCo, the Gri Gri Project, the St. John School of the Arts, Virgin Islands Council on the Arts; National Park 2. Identify all current and new projects that support and expand the arts. 3. Prioritize based on feasibility, contribution to the mission, and funding 4. Align programs with “brick and mortar” projects like constructing an artist cooperative space, building a museum space, or renovating the historic Battery into a museum space.

Key Players: St.JanCo; The Gri Gri Project; St. John School of the Arts Alignment: NCR, Econ RSFs Cost: < $100,000 Timeline: One - Three Years