What Does Reopening Look Like?

"The closure of venues in 1918 was not a death knell for the arts. The decade after the 1918 flu... saw the rapid development of theatre venues and a sustained period of well-funded creative development."⁠— Byron Harrison

Friends and Artists,

Though many of us are faced with uncertainty about what comes next, we have all come together to inform the bigger picture as the community begins its reopening phases. For the arts, a common positive outcome has been the organizing of multiple conversations between diverse arts leaders to better understand what others are facing and how they have stepped up to the challenge this year. Innovative programming initiatives in the creative sector have inspired short-term adaptability, but also play a key role in planning for the longer term.

We have already embarked on our first steps to recovery by exploring a range of proactive scenarios that will determine the strongest way forward in the current environment. Although the past few months have seen unprecedented intensity in cultural, social, and economic shifts, a new normal will emerge from this context. When that new normal arrives, we will be more prepared than ever to rise to new challenges and embrace new opportunities. With your support, we are determined to redefine what it means to experience great art. As we continue to rebuild we are committed to keeping the arts accessible, thought-provoking, and vibrant.

Together we can set the stage for a future where the arts are always growing and thriving. For more information about our mission, visit our website, or contact us at info@centerforartswwa.org. Onward and upward!

Sincerely,
The SWCA Team