It has been two weeks since we initiated Arts in Crisis. Approximately 200 organizations have asked for help and most have already been contacted.

The range of problems is wide but not unanticipated. Most organizations have major fund-raising issues, many have problems managing their Boards through this crisis, several have lost large portions of their audiences.

The approaches many of these organizations have been taking to solving their problems demonstrate their ingenuity and their determination to survive. It has been very moving, although not surprising. The ability of arts executives to have a role in shaping the core mission of their organizations begets a fidelity to the organization that is rarely matched in the corporate world.

What has been more remarkable has been the outpouring of offers to serve as mentors - almost 100 arts managers from across the nation have volunteered to help. We have yet to find assignments for all of them. At a time when every arts manager is operating in fear, and working harder than ever to cope, it is gratifying that so many of our brethren are willing to give up more time to help others in need.

It makes one proud to work in this field.