By Dana C. Stewart / Special to the Fairfax County Times
Apr 2, 2021
Spring is finally here. We are excited to get outdoors and experience life beyond four walls. We feel optimistic and crave fun opportunities. Life is starting to look familiar as school busses return to the roads and businesses open their doors to more patrons.
However, returning to pre-pandemic economic stability continues to be a challenge for many. Last month President Biden’s signing of the American Rescue Plan took a significant step toward recovery and building back America, but for the arts, economic challenges remain.
The arts were one of the first to close their doors and will be one of the last to open. Despite these challenges, the arts community continues to think innovatively and creatively to connect and serve the community.
Getting Out
Getting the kids out of the house is on the minds of every parent. ArtsFairfax is curating a list of artist camps, including experiencing the summer outdoors with Traveling Players Ensemble, artistic creations with Blue Hyacinth Mosaics, or theatre with NextStop Theatre camp.
As you plan for the future, visit artsfairfax.org and follow us on social media @ArtsFairfax to stay informed of camps, events, and classes in your community.
Deadline Approaching
Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church arts organizations are reminded of the ArtsFairfax April 14th deadline for the Operating Support Grant application. Visit artsfairfax.org/grants to learn more.
National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month, and ArtsFairfax and Fairfax County’s inaugural poet laureate Nicole Tong invite you to celebrate with her Poetry Lives Here community project. Designated Poetry Month by Fairfax County Board of Supervisor Chairman Jeff McKay, the project is designed to connect the entire community. Tong asked community leaders to celebrate poetry by reading and sharing their favorite piece throughout the month. Look for a new video to be released each day during April at https://artsfairfax.org/poet-laureate/. Follow ArtsFairfax on Facebook and Tong on Twitter @PoetryLivesHere. Remember to share on social media @ArtsFairfax your favorite poet, poem, and reader using the hashtag: #NPMArtsFairfax.
Recovery Innovation and Access Workshop
ArtsFairfax continues its WORK-SMART workshop series on April 8th at 12:00 p.m. with Dr. Brea Heidelberg, Assistant Professor at Drexel University. The interactive presentation includes discussions and questions focusing on making connections with diverse audiences and how to start conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and access. The virtual event is free, but registration is required at artsfairfax.org/workshops.
Fairfax County Priorities Survey
Fairfax County leaders seek community input for the County’s strategic plan that will shape how our community grows and develops over the next 10-20 years. The survey provides an opportunity to express your desire to see the cultural and recreational opportunities expand with County support. Take the survey at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/strategicplan/.
McLean Project for the Arts
McLean Project for the Arts Spring 2021 Exhibitions opens in April through June 10, 2021. View work by artists Yuriko Yamaguchi and writer Mineke Schipper in Intium Novum: Humanity’s End As A New Beginning and Alonzo Davis presents Navigating Climate Change, Extended. Visit mpaart.org for more information.
Jammin Java Celebrates 20 years
This October Jammin Java celebrates 20 years with an outdoor concert series now through the fall. A long-time community staple for arts entertainment and engagement in Vienna, Jammin Java invites everyone to stop by and celebrate. Visit https://www.jamminjava.com/ for a complete schedule.