NOVEMBER ARTS & CULTURE NEWSAs we head into an unusual holiday season, we're reflecting on how much there is to be thankful for. We're facing a pandemic, economic challenges, and a period of continued transition for our country and community; it's a tough time. But as we watch cultural organizations reach audiences in new ways, as nonprofits and churches expand services to those most in need, as neighborhood associations and artists retool current efforts and plan new projects, we're convinced that Roanoke has the resiliency to make it through this period and be even better for it. In fact, the Resilient Spirit of the Star City was just named the 2020 Citizen of the Year. Read the entire resolution here. And then catch up on arts and culture news below.Arts & Culture News is a service of the City of Roanoke's Office of Arts & Culture.
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CALL FOR SCULPTURE - ART IN ROANOKE VI
A NEW LIFE: REIMAGINING ROANOKE
The Roanoke Arts Commission is pleased to announce a call for outdoor sculpture for a two-year, temporary exhibition running May 17, 2021 through April 14, 2023.
The City is accepting submissions now through January 18, 2021 at 11:59 PM for freestanding sculpture responding to the theme “A New Life: Reimagining Roanoke.” Artwork may incorporate interactive as well as functional elements, but must include at least 50% repurposed material.
This invitation is extended to all artists 18 and older. Innovative approaches are welcomed, including the establishment of partnerships between emerging and established artists or between artists and fabricators. Regional artists and teams with connections to Roanoke are encouraged to apply. Both proposed work and finished pieces will be considered. Student teams are welcomed under the leadership of a teacher or adult leader. Women and artists of color are especially encouraged to submit proposals.
LEARN MORE HERE.
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GRANTS FOR ARTS & CULTURE NONPROFITS
The Roanoke Arts Commission will host a mandatory workshop for the 2022 Fiscal Year Arts and Culture Program Grants.
The workshop will be held online at 9 AM, Friday, December 4.
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Catch up on conversations with arts and culture partners on THE ART OF IT, the podcast of the Roanoke Arts Commission. You can catch it wherever you get your podcasts (Just search for Roanoke Arts Commission), or listen along at www.roanokearts.org.
Guests to date:
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FALL ARTISTS' SERIES WRAPS
Over eight weeks this fall, members of the Roanoke Arts Commission recorded conversations with artists and guests as the Collection Committee developed the call for sixth Art in Roanoke temporary exhibition. Guests included artists Ann Glover, David Sheldon, both who have exterior sculpture in the city's collection. City of Roanoke Manager of Risk Management Jackie Clewis and Purchasing Supervisor Toni Thomas also joined the conversation, giving a behind-the-scenes look at contracting with the City.
If you missed the sessions but are interested in listening in, all eight conversations were recorded and are posted here at roanokearts.org.
The winter/spring 2021 series will focus on developing a civic practice as we explore Artists Working in Community.
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SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA BALLET & BLUE RIDGE PBS
KEEP ALIVE THE NUTCRACKER TRADITION
Sites around the Roanoke Valley, including the Hotel Roanoke, Berglund Center, the Roanoke Star, Fishburn Mansion, and the Taubman Museum of Art served as backdrops for a Nutcracker for the pandemic era.
“It’s such a gift to the community during a time when we are all looking for a little magic and hope," said William Anderson, President and CEO of Blue Ridge PBS. “These performers are amazing as they portray these intricate and iconic characters, all while wearing masks to continue to be CDC compliant.”
“We are so excited to continue the holiday tradition that is SVB’s The Nutcracker, and to be able to share the joy of dance safely with everyone in our community through this broadcast as well as through Blue Ridge Streaming," said Carol Jessee, Executive Director of Southwest Virginia Ballet.
The Nutcracker Virtual Performance will be broadcast on Blue Ridge PBS on December 11 at 7 pm and December 13 at 4:30 pm. Streaming of SVB’s virtual Nutcracker will also be available on Blue Ridge PBS Streaming services, 24 hours a day, December 11 through December 13 and again all day Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Subscribe at www.wbra.org.
Southwest Virginia Ballet's Virtual Nutcracker has received program funding from the City of Roanoke through the Roanoke Arts Commission. Learn more at www.svballet.org.
(Photo by DanMcDildaphotography.com)
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Under the guidance of the Star City Strong Recovery Task Force, the Roanoke Arts Commission oversaw the distribution of more than $450,000 to support organizations and performers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources must be expended by December 15.
Funds supported 22 nonprofit organizations who as they shifted operations, retrofitted spaces, and secured technology to continue operations in different form and under difficult circumstances. Additionally 21 restaurants received at least $2,000 to hire performers in outdoor and physically distanced indoor performances. - Read Tad Dickens' Roanoke Times coverage of the program
- See Fortunato's presentation of arial artist Lynsey Wyatt in coverage by WDBJ-7.
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NOMINATE A PROJECT FOR THE
NEIGHBORHOOD ART PROJECT AWARD
The Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates (RNA) and Roanoke City Council have announced the call for nominations for the 2020 Neighborhood Partnership Awards Program.
The Neighborhood Arts Award recognizes a neighborhood project or activity which improves the quality of the arts in the neighborhood, enhances the character of the neighborhood through the arts or improves the surroundings through the visual or performing arts. The Roanoke Arts Commission is also interested in projects that use a creative approach to a community issue or topic. The neighborhood group can nominate their own project or an individual that has improved the neighborhood through the arts. It may be a project or activity which involved visual or performing arts. Your description of the project should focus on details of the planning, completion and membership involvement.Applications are due by Friday, December 18.
Read more here.
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Holiday shopping is different this year. Of course, much will happen online, and worries about shipping and box availability will spark an earlier rush. And then there's Artist Sunday. It's a new initiative to encourage shoppers to purchase from artists. It's centered around the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but you can get out or get online to your favorite local artists and shop anytime. We think it's a great idea. Learn more about the effort and sign up as an artist at www.artistssunday.com.
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Virginia Commission for the Arts
DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN
VCA has a new draft strategic plan with a mission: To invest in the arts in the Commonwealth by supporting, celebrating, and promoting cultural equity in an innovative and creative environment to benefit all Virginians. Read the full draft strategic plan from the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) and comment through November 20.
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 Amethyst Rey Beaver describes work from A Very Anxious Feeling: Voices of Unrest in the American Experience; 20 Years of the Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection. Beaver, Assistant Curator, 21c Museum Hotels curated the show with Eva Thornton, Assistant Curator of the Taubman Museum of Art in collaboration with Laura Dvorkin and Maynard Monrow of the Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection. Beaver stands before Patriarchy, 2015, by Farley Aguilar, provided courtesy of the artist and Lyles & King, New York. The exhibition is on view through February 7. Watch the virtual gallery talk at www.taubmanmuseum.org.
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 Ryan Bell organized an artist showcase, "Through Our Eyes: Black Fatherhood and the Arts," at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture through the Black Family Father effort in partnership with the Urban Arts Project. The exhibition is up through January. Pictured from left to right are artists Avery Bolden, Bryce Cobbs, Ahmad Terry, Monica Jones, and Robert Pennix.
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 The Sister Cities Sculptures in Century Plaza underwent a cleaning this fall. Pictured are artists Donna Essig and Jim Hudson. Essig and fellow artist Mimi Babe Harris completed the eight pillars in 2004. Hudson has taken on restoration and cleaning work on several works in the public art collection in recent years. After some small repairs by Essig, Hudson will seal the work. Also pictured: Gunther.
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 The Gainsboro Library is getting a refresh, so we've placed some art work in storage temporarily. Pictured on either side of the window are works by Antoinette Hale, "After Supper" and "Remembering aunt VA in a Big Way."
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 Southwest Virginia Ballet and Blue Ridge PBS announced their collaborative Nutcracker with collaborators who include, the Taubman Museum of Art, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Berglund Center, the City of Roanoke, Angels of Assisi, and more. Watch the Nutcracker on Blue Ridge PBS on December 11th and 13th. Photo by DanMcDildaphotography.com
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Arts & Culture News is a service of the City of Roanoke's Office of Arts & Culture.
Submit content to Arts & Cultural Coordinator Douglas Jackson, 540-853-5652.
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