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Northeastern arts leaders talk about changes they've had to make, to stay afloat and stay safe – CBC.ca

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When the province announced it was limiting public indoor gatherings, the performing arts took a hit. Symphonies, art galleries, theatres — all had to re-imagine how they were going to reach their audience. Keeping the arts afloat is a challenge, even in good years. But across northeastern Ontario, troupes are showing some resilience and imagination.

The Sudbury Theatre Centre is one of those groups changing with the times.
Artistic director John McHenry says they’re hanging on by the skin of their teeth, cancelling the entire 2020-21 season.
So they’ve turned to radio to keep the audience engaged.

McHenry and his team have just embarked on what he hopes will be a live weekly podcast. And he hopes it will help satisfy the theatre audience.

“It’s that live experience … I know it’s a cliche, but there’s nothing like a group of like-minded people coming into a theatre. And when those house lights go down to dark and the show begins and you’re just all there in that moment … and the show was different last night and it will be different tomorrow night,” he said.

“What you are seeing is just for you because who knows what’s going to happen because it’s live, right? And when you do a podcast or a radio show or even a TV show, you hope somebody is on the other end listening or viewing it on the TV.”

Over at the Art Gallery of Sudbury, exhibits are open, but it’s changed how people interact with the artwork. Big opening celebrations or group tours are gone. Instead, there are small, private tours for groups of six, as well as virtual visits of the art on display.

Curator Demetra Chistakos says it’s been a big adjustment.

“You miss that sense of people coming together in groups … meeting other people that you might not know and sharing an experience that’s larger than yourself,” she said.

Where the art gallery lives, at the Bell mansion, only seven people can fit into Gallery One.

“We have about a thousand square feet in each floor. And so, this experience of distance, I think, is people have adapted to it and they’ve done their best. You can do some coming together virtually. But they’re missing the human touch and that you can’t replace. It’s a period of distance.”

She said they’re doing their best to comply and accommodate and keep people safe.

“But it’s not the same as being able to freely assemble and to really share enthusiasm and questions and that in-person experience of art.”

In Timmins, their Symphony is planning to go live — but broadcast on Facebook.

“In terms of rehearsal, we’re having to adhere very strictly to everything that our local health unit, the province and the country, laid out,” said conductor Joshua Wood.

“We went out and we bought a bunch of protective equipment … we have masks, wipes, everything like that. Because of the strict guidelines that the government put out for wind and brass instruments, we ordered 15 or 20 custom-made plastic shields that fit over the stands. So they act as a barrier between the wind players and the rest of the ensemble in the audience. And we’ve had to obviously shrink the number of people on stage because they have to be double spaced, two meters apart.”

The live audience may not be present, Wood says that’s not stopping them from sharing the gift of music.

“We’re still we’re trucking along right now. We’ve got a few rehearsals and the orchestra has adapted really, really well.”

Morning North6:20How arts groups are coping during the pandemic

What’s it been like for art groups since the pandemic hit? It certainly hasn’t been easy. We checked in we a few arts organizations to find out how they’ve been adapting. 6:20

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com

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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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