S.Pring is finally here. We look forward to being outside and experiencing life beyond four walls. We are optimistic and crave fun opportunities. Life feels familiar when school buses return to the streets and companies open their doors to more customers.
However, returning to pre-pandemic economic stability remains a challenge for many. Last month, President Biden’s signing of the US rescue plan took a significant step towards America’s recovery and rebuilding, but economic challenges remain for the arts.
The arts were one of the first to close their doors and will be one of the last to open. Despite these challenges, the art community continues to think innovatively and creatively in order to connect and serve the community.
Out
Getting the children out of the house is on every parent’s mind. ArtsFairfax curates a list of artist camps, including experiencing summer outdoors with the Traveling Players Ensemble, artistic creations with Blue Hyacinth Mosaics, or theater with the NextStop Theater Camp.
If you plan for the future, visit artsfairfax.org and follow us on social media @ArtsFairfax to keep up to date on camps, events and courses in your community.
Deadline is approaching
Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church arts organizations are reminded of the April 14th deadline for ArtsFairfax to apply for the Operating Support Grant. Visit artsfairfax.org/grants to learn more.
National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month, and ArtsFairfax and Fairfax County’s inaugural poet Nicole Tong invites you to celebrate with her collaborative project Poetry Lives Here. The project has been named Poetry Month by Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisor Chairman Jeff McKay and aims to connect the entire community. Tong asked the community leaders to celebrate poetry by reading and sharing their favorite piece throughout the month. Look for a new video posted every day in April at https://artsfairfax.org/poet-laureate/. Follow ArtsFairfax on Facebook and Tong on Twitter @PoetryLivesHere. Remember to share your favorite poet, poem and reader on social media @ArtsFairfax using the hashtag #NPMArtsFairfax.
Recovery innovation and access workshop
ArtsFairfax continues its WORK-SMART workshop series on April 8th at 12:00 with Dr. Brea Heidelberg, assistant professor at Drexel University, continues. The interactive presentation contains discussions and questions that focus on making connections with different audiences and starting conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and access. The virtual event is free, but registration at artsfairfax.org/workshops is required.
Fairfax County’s Priorities Survey
Fairfax County officials seek community input into the county’s strategic plan that will shape the growth and development of our community over the next 10 to 20 years. The survey offers the opportunity to express your wish to expand the cultural and leisure opportunities with the support of the district. Take the survey at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/strategicplan/.
McLean Project for the Arts
McLean Project for the Arts Spring 2021 Spring Exhibitions will open from April to June 10, 2021. See the work of artist Yuriko Yamaguchi and writer Mineke Schipper in Intium Novum: The End of Mankind 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 is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an outdoor concert series that will now take place this fall. Jammin Java has been a community base for art entertainment and engagement in Vienna for many years and invites everyone to stop by and celebrate. Visit https://www.jamminjava.com/ for a full schedule.