Keeping You Informed: Alliance for the Arts Current Programming & Response to COVID-19

Updated May 29, 2020

Since our last correspondence, so much has changed but the one thing that has remained constant is our passion and commitment to transform lives and improve our community through the arts! On our daily staff video conference calls we discuss what we are celebrating and each and every day, that thing has been you – our community of artists and art lovers who believe in the Alliance.

While it is not quite business as usual, we continue to look towards the future. We’re working hard from the offices and from our homes on gradual reopening plans to welcome you back. Our goal is to create the safest and best experience for you, our Alliance family. Our target, limited reopening date for the public is Wednesday, July 1, 2020. New operational procedures will include screening, spacing and sanitization as well as use of masks, hand washing stations and more.

We’ll provide a full update soon with the exact and necessary strategy and precautions. In the meantime, check out our virtual programming (listed below) or call 239-939-2787.

Updated May 7, 2020

We are a community of huggers, helpers and hand shakers and we want to do our part to keep that warmth around. While we may have to keep our physical distance, it’s imperative to keep the arts as a part of our community and as a source for connection.

The Alliance is working hard everyday to figure out how to best support the community that has always supported us. Our doors may be closed but our mission to transform lives and improve our community through the arts continues!

Join us for the following:

• Drive-thru GreenMarket – weekly touchless organic produce, cheese and kombucha pick up
• Virtual art classes and offerings
• Best Seats In Your House – digital theatre series
• Student Congressional Art Competition
• Virtual Trivia Game Nights
• Light Projection Mural
• Digital Artist Hangout – Casual Critique Session
• Free, Saturday morning GreenMarket yoga streamed on the Alliance for the Arts GreenMarket Facebook page
• Creativity Crate – a weekly dose of the arts sent to your inbox
• Future of Art: High School Student Virtual Exhibit and Award Ceremony
• Art Lives Here – turning billboard space into an outdoor gallery with Carter Outdoor
• Welcome to My Studio – glimpse into the homes and studios of our teaching artists

Updated March 27, 2020

Wherever you are, know that we are with you and hoping that this email finds you safe and settling into an unexpected but temporary normal as we all do our part to keep our community healthy.

Since our last correspondence much has changed but the one thing that has remained constant is our passion to transform lives and improve our community through the arts. The Alliance remains committed to offering inspiration, connection and hope to shorten the distance between people and creativity. While onsite programming is suspended, our team is working remotely to ensure our ability to open the facility when it is safe to do so. Projects include:

• Providing opportunities for area high school artists to continue working on their portfolios by moving our Future of Art exhibit to a digital competition. Project sponsored by Florida SouthWestern College and in partnership with the Lee Art Educators’ Association.
• We’ve launched GreenMarket Drive-Thru with local farmers and vendors to make sure you can access locally grown produce, eggs and cheese.
• Facilitating the next round of Art Lives Here with help of Carter Outdoor. A new public gallery will coming soon to billboard space near you!

For so many of us, the Alliance is much more than just a business – it’s a beautiful celebration of all the good things in life. The Alliance has weathered many storms in her 45 years and she’s ready to take on this one because of the amazing people that are part of her. We know the arts will be an integral part of getting through this pandemic and will be imperative once we get on the other side. So, while things aren’t business as usual, we’re committed to a bright future celebrating creativity.

We’d also like to thank so many of you who have already gotten involved in the work we do by donating back ticket sales, class fees or have pledged donations to help sustain our work in the arts! You are enormously appreciated!

We can’t wait to welcome you back to join us year-round to meet your neighbors, find your passion, be entertained or simply escape into a vibrant world of color and creativity.

Until then, stay connected with us. Send us your artwork, tag us on Facebook if you’re facilitating a cultural project, propose an online class or event or just give us a call or drop an email. We welcome hearing from you!

Updated March 18, 2020

The Alliance for the Arts has temporarily closed its physical offices and gallery space and all staff are working remotely in order to prioritize public health and the safety of the organization. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@artinlee.org for more.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Updated March 17, 2020

Below is a listing of Emergency Grants and Funding Opportunities for ARTISTS as we all try to navigate COVID-19 pandemic.

Rauschenberg Emergency grants: https://www.nyfa.org/Content/…/Rauschenberg-Emergency-Grants (Robert Rauschenberg Foundation)

Emergency relief funding: https://cerfplus.org/…/apply-f…/craft-emergency-relief-fund/

Updated March 16, 2020

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to unfold, we will remain vigilant and heed guidance from local authorities and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Last night the CDC released further guidance, advising organizers to cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more for the next 8 weeks. In an effort to ensure the health and wellness of our staff, volunteers, artists, members, donors, patrons, and ultimately, the larger community, we have made the decision to suspend all Alliance activities for the immediate future.

Postponed

• Fringe Fort Myers scheduled April 22-26
• Charlotte’s Web youth cast rehearsals and performances
• I Never Saw Another Butterfly youth cast rehearsals and performances
• Artist Studio Tour scheduled for March 28

Cancelled

• All remaining March classes
• Seussical Kids Spring Break Camp scheduled March 16-21
• Bil Lepp workshop and performances scheduled for March 20 & 21
• Indoor Bluegrass Concerts in March and April
• Future of Art gallery opening receptions (in partnership with Lee Art Educators Association)
• Crossroads: Gauthier, Hamel and Herzog gallery exhibit scheduled for the month of May
• The Roommate by Jen Silverman with performances May 7 – 17

Suspended until further notice

• Weekly Saturday GreenMarket
• Saturday gallery and office hours
• Free Family Art Labs scheduled for the 4th Saturday of each month
• Members-Only Book Club scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday of each month
• Poetry Open Mic Night scheduled for April 8
• Show Off! Youth Performance Showcase scheduled for April 18

All ticket holders and students for March events and classes have been notified via email. Purchasers are receiving full refunds or choosing to donate back their ticket or class fee to the Alliance. While our site will remain open to staff, we are discouraging people onsite without a scheduled appointment. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 239-939-2787 if you have any questions.

We have never lived through a time like this and are grateful for the many folks who are trying to flatten the curve and adapt to the uncertainty of COVID-19. We have been reminded over and over again of the power of the arts to bring people together in the midst of trying, complicated times. If you missed the beautiful sounds from Siena, Italy and need a little inspiration today, check out this link and video.

Until we’re back up and running, keep connected with us via social media! Be on the lookout for exciting announcements regarding Art Lives Here billboard campaign, the installation of the Caloosahatchee Water Wall and a Congressional High School Digital Art Competition. We’re also planning some fun and exciting ways to keep us all connected through the arts.

Should you have any questions or just want a virtual email hug, please don’t hesitate to contact me at lblack@artinlee.org or 239-939-2787.

Thank you for understanding as we navigate this unparalleled situation.

Stay healthy and safe,

Lydia A. Black
Executive Director/CEO