Style Magazine November 2020 RGBR

| arts & entertainment |
of the temporary
closure in June,
we said that we
expected the
closure to last
at least a year.
Unfortunately,
there have
not been any
developments
to indicate that
timeline could
be shortened;
however, we’re
constantly assessing public health
conditions and using the closure as
an opportunity to review the Center’s
management structure moving forward.
WHAT DO YOU PREDICT THE NEXT
YEAR WILL LOOK LIKE FOR THE
PERFORMING ARTS SECTOR?
With so many questions still unanswered
about the virus, a possible vaccine, and
the impacts of a prolonged closure on
the performing arts community, it’s
hard to know what the future will look
like. The Metropolitan Opera in New
York, the nation’s largest performing
arts organization, announced in late
September that they planned to remain
closed for another year. Even with so
many unknowns, we remain steadfast
in our commitment to reopen as soon
as we can do so safely and sustainably.
The HCA is an institution in our
community, and we look forward to the
day when it can once again welcome
patrons and world-class performers.
WHAT MIGHT THE GUEST
EXPERIENCE LOOK LIKE?
Delivering a personalized patron
experience and welcoming atmosphere
for all performers and guests have been
hallmarks of the HCA’s success since
its opening. Whenever we’re
able to reopen the Center,
protecting those qualities
will be among our highest
priorities. The Center’s
smaller size and intimate
settings play an important
role in those dynamics
but also make reopening
with social distancing a
much more difficult and
complicated endeavor.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE
PANDEMIC WILL CHANGE
THE WORK OF PERFORMING
ARTS PRESENTERS?
This global pandemic has changed
everything, and there’s no reason to
believe that the performing arts will be
spared. The changes have been particularly
dramatic for industries that rely on indoor
audiences like the theatre and cinema.
We expect that it will take some time for
everyone to be comfortable attending
indoor events with large crowds, but in
time, performing arts presenters and
venues will rebound and thrive. While we
don’t know what the future will look like
yet, we do know that our community has
a rich and long history of supporting the
arts. When the time comes, we’re confident
that the HCA will be well-positioned
to continue our tradition of success.
HOW CAN READERS HELP
SUPPORT THE HARRIS CENTER?
Before the pandemic, we were planning
a 10th anniversary fundraising campaign
that was temporarily put on hold. Even
in normal times, philanthropic support
is so critical to arts organizations to help
close the gap, as ticket sales alone do not
support operations. That need is even
greater in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
We are grateful to our wonderful donors
who have continued to give while we are
hibernating to help have resources at the
ready to allow us to reopen as quickly
as possible. We invite the community to
join us in helping to sustain engaging
arts programming, education, and access
in our region with a tax-deductible gift
at harriscenter.net/donate. Every gift,
no matter the size, makes a difference!
When we reopen, we also encourage our
community to become HCA members
and enjoy great performances, as well
as special, members-only benefits.
IS THERE ANYTHING
YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
We cannot thank our patrons, members,
donors, supporters, and volunteers
enough for their patience. Nobody
could have predicted or planned for
these circumstances, but with the help
of our devoted community partners,
the Harris Center for the Arts will
bounce back better than ever!
harriscenter.net
Middle and bottom photos by Bob Hakins. Other photos by BG Phillips Photography.
26 stylemg.com | NOVEMBER 2020 | /stylemg /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemags