The arts and culture in our communities are a vital part of our economic recovery. This past year, the arts have guided and inspired our nation during the global pandemic. It came at a cost as venues and programs were the first to shutter or pivot to online and will be one of the last industries to...
ArtsFairfax WORK-SMART Series ArtsFairfax workshops and webinars are learning opportunities for artists, arts administrators, and arts organizations to gain new skills, knowledge, and connections to further their personal and organizational goals, and build the capacity of the arts. In 2020, ArtsFairfax launched the WORK-SMART workshop series to meet identified development needs within our community. The...
A Strong Arts Community Helps Fairfax Survive and Thrive It’s been over a year since the world, as we knew it, came to an abrupt stop. While doors closed and venues shuttered, Fairfax County artists and art organizations used innovation and creativity to share art offerings that entertained, educated, soothed our grief, and kept us...
Relief and Recovery for the Arts President Biden’s signing of the American Rescue Plan is a major step toward recovery and building back America. This bill and federal leaders’ support of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants are critically needed relief for our community. While these are big steps forward, much is still needed for the...
Spring is around the corner, and we are anxiously taking steps to reopen our economy. As we look toward a better 2021, we cannot forget the pandemic’s financial impact on the arts community. The arts quickly pivoted from in-person to online shows. This shift helped us engage, educate, and create a community during the most...
By Amy Ginsburg, From a Capacity Partners Case Study As Covid-19 crashed into our area a year ago, the arts faced unique challenges as stages went dark and classes moved to virtual platforms. Professional theaters, such as the NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon, VA, were thrust into unfamiliar, unprecedented circumstances. Not every arts organization survived,...
The Art of Inspiration: 2021 Edition If 2020 has left you feeling gloomy and uninspired, you’re not alone. Between social distancing, missed events, and an endless news cycle of disheartening statistics, communities across the country are feeling the stress. Yet hope springs eternal, and the new year offers all of us a chance to hit...
Dana C. Stewart / Special to the Fairfax County TimesJan 15, 2021 The year 2020 is over, and we can thank our creativity, innovation, and desire to connect for getting us to January. The arts community led the way in transitioning exhibits, classes, and experiences to an online format. It has not been easy, and...
Dana C. Stewart Special to the Fairfax County TimesDec 11, 2020 December is traditionally a time for us to reflect and give generously to those in need. This year, thinking back, 2020 seems longer than 12 months. It has challenged us to rethink how we live both economically and culturally. Like everyone, the local arts...
