As COVID-19 continues to spread across the U.S., more and more cities are shutting down non-essential businesses or going into full quarantine to try to limit the spread. While these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of the community, local artists and businesses are being hit hard by the temporary closures and bans of gatherings. Many companies are scrambling to figure out how to adjust during these times, and while we can’t show up physically for them, here are some ways we can support local artists and businesses while maintaining proper social distancing practices.
Buy Music + Merch
The easiest way to support local artists and businesses virtually right now is to go to their website and buy their merch or music. The vast majority of businesses are taking a major hit right now, and any online sale can help immensely. We suggest buying a vinyl record, t-shirt, or art piece you love to support our hard-hit artists and local businesses.
Leave a Good Review
Have you been meaning to leave a review for your favorite band or local business? Well, it’s not too late! One way to show your appreciation during this stressful time is by leaving a positive review to endorse your local favorites. Artists and businesses need your support now more than ever, and what better way to show it than with a verbal declaration of your love and loyalty to them?
Buy Gift Cards
If you want to support some of the local businesses you frequent normally, but they aren’t open for business or you don’t feel comfortable leaving your house, an easy and mutually beneficial way to support them is to buy a gift card to use for a later purchase or service. This allows you to show your support for them while also helping them stay afloat until COVID-19 is under control in your area.
Donate to Virtual Shows
A new way that musicians are adapting to these virtual times is by doing shows on Facebook Live and other online platforms. This way, they can still keep the music playing for you all! Many of them are offering their Venmo accounts or a way to donate to them virtually for their online shows, allowing you to send over however much you’d like. A little bit can go a long way, plus who isn’t looking for new forms of entertainment while practicing social distancing?
To-Go Orders for Food
One of the best ways to support your favorite local restaurants (and keep yourself fed) is by ordering their food to-go. Many restaurants have been working tirelessly to transfer to pick up or delivery only, and are taking numerous precautions to ensure that their employees are sanitizing effectively and their customers are safe. We have even seen some restaurants stepping up to offer the option to donate meals to people on the frontlines of COVID-19, such as healthcare workers and grocery store employees, going above and beyond to not only stay open for those who want to eat out but helping those who are too busy to cook right now.
Supporting local artists and businesses while social distancing is essential for their success, and we hope that we’ve inspired you to make a difference for your favorite local businesses, artists, or musicians. Together, we can make a real impact in the lives of local artists and businesses by supporting them in these small, but significant ways during such a stressful time.