Open Call: As economy resurges post-pandemic, arts will be critical to revitalizing region

Editor's note: Open Call is a new column in which we ask arts and cultural leaders to share their perspectives on emerging from the COVID-19 crisis and welcoming back audiences.

It has been more than a year since live performances, exhibitions and concerts were stifled by the pandemic.

Even more difficult than the impact on organizations unable to count on earned revenue, is the hardship placed on artists throughout the state who have lost jobs and commissions due to shuttered venues.

But what a difference a year (and vaccine) can make.

Recently, Dr. Anthony Fauci predicted that live performance venues may be able to open to near-capacity crowds by this fall. Of course, this depends, in part, on how we all do our part to get past the pandemic with COVID-safe practices, vaccinations and common sense.

Galleries and museums already have been able to open in limited fashion, using CDC guidelines for distancing, occupancy and safety protocols. This is good news indeed for both the organizations and artists, not to mention the audiences who have been craving getting out to see a live show, hear a favorite band, or a visit a new exhibition.

More:From 'depressed' to 'blessed': Delaware music artists had roller coaster of emotions during pandemic

Turning to virtual services over the past several months, artists and presenters alike have pirouetted into new programming and delivery. Many have attracted new audiences thanks to the reach of the internet. From scaled-back live performances and exhibitions to online programming, the arts community has demonstrated their unique capacity to adapt, rethink and recreate their craft.

Virtual performances, workshops, and exhibitions have attracted viewers from across the country, and from as far away as Singapore and Budapest. Let’s hope that this unanticipated, but serendipitous, consequence of the past year brings new audiences to Delaware as we regain our footing in the world of live music, dance, film, theater and visual arts.

On a more personal level, virtual programming has served as a valuable source of entertainment and inspiration. In a time of isolation and brokenness, the arts have provided comfort and healing. Many individuals have picked up their pen again, or an old musical instrument, or the stowed-away paint and brushes, to re-explore their own creative spirit. The arts have demonstrated the power to confront the social challenges and illnesses facing us.

The challenge for artists and presenters alike over the past several months has not gone unnoticed. The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Division of the Arts have been working closely with artists and arts organizations to ensure that they can access the relief funds available to them. These special funds have helped to mitigate the huge losses in earned revenue resulting from closed doors, canceled programming and mandatory audience restrictions.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide an environment in which we can all experience the arts in person.

Likewise, artists and presenters are eager to have live audiences once again. To witness a live concert or play, or to see that painting, student creation, or new vocalist in person, provides a visceral experience that no virtual performance affords.

What is equally significant is the benefit the artist receives from the audience. Both feed off each other’s experience in a way that is both inspiring and transformational. To that end, venues throughout the state are equipping themselves to host audiences once again, putting safety protocols and new procedures in place. They look forward to seeing people reveling in their work!

As the economy resurges in a post-pandemic world, the arts will be critical players in revitalizing communities throughout the state.

The symbiotic relationship between the arts, tourism and hospitality industries is well documented. We know that a robust arts community will strengthen other sectors of the economy as well. We can contribute to a revitalized economy by stepping out, attending an event and supporting our local artists.

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As for the Division of the Arts, we will continue to provide a robust listing of opportunities, including visual, performing and media arts through DelawareScene.com, the state’s online arts calendar.

While the nature of offerings has changed over the past several months, the quality and range have not. We anticipate the variety and scope of programming will increase in the coming weeks and months, and we eagerly look forward to highlighting the incredible array of programming available in museums, galleries, coffee shops and taverns, concert halls, and theaters.

Paul Weagraff is the director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. Open Call is a weekly column that gives the state's cultural and arts leaders a forum to welcome back visitors and audiences.