Billboard Magazine
Bette Midler Wants You to Support the Costume Designers Who Make Her Look Fabulous
By Gil Kaufman
8/3/2020
Bette Midler took time out from bashing Pres. Trump on Sunday night (Aug. 2) to share a very important message with her Twitter followers about helping out the countless costume industry veterans who are facing indefinite unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Timelines for reopening of entertainment venues continue to shift; shutdown could last anywhere from eight to eighteen months. Members know their survival is in jeopardy; their orders have largely been canceled or delayed indefinitely,” wrote Midler, who pointed to the Costume Industry Coalition (CIC) site for more information.
“In response to the entertainment industry shut down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s custom costume industry has launched the Costume Industry Coalition (CIC) to advocate for their survival,” she explained, adding that the nonprofit Artisans Guild of America (AGA) has created the AGA COVID-19 Artisan Workroom Temporary Relief Fund to help support out-of-work members.
READ MOREBette Midler, Elvis Costello & More Join New Artist Rights Alliance Council
Midler said the AGA Relief Fund is offering grants to qualified small businesses to cover their overhead expenses and help with cash flow problems they may be having, with the majority of CIC Members eligible for the grants.
“Collectively, the CIC Members are facing a $4.5 million shortfall between July 1 and December 31, when they calculate rent, employee health insurance, liability insurance, and utilities,” Midler wrote, encouraging a visit to the AGA site to learn how to get involved.
