Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

Elena Velasco, the Co-Founder of Convergence Theater and passionate advocate for cultural equity and diversity in the performing arts arena explained how today's dual challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown, coupled with national protests in support of Black Lives Matter are impacting theaters, and why she considers this a moment of reckoning. Also learn more about how Convergence is dealing with the shutdown, as well as the developments at the American Alliance of Theatre and Education (AATE) on whose board she sits. Definitely lots of important issues to think about and discuss in this interview.

The Executive Director of the Arlington Arts Center Holly Koons discussed how a gallery can remain relevant and visible to its patrons during a pandemic. Also what are the Center's tentative plans for reopening, what exhibits are they planning for the fall, why virtual tours are here to stay and what programs are available online. Also find out what could be in store for the Maury Park name?

Photographer Zachery Perkins appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts" Talks podcast to talk about his profession. What does his job entail as a "Combat Documentation Production Specialist? Why does he sometimes still use film? What does he look for when shooting the perfect picture? Where does he see the photography industry in 15-20 years. Find out the answers and more in this interesting interview.

Tom Prewitt, the Artistic Director of Avant Bard Theatre appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast right in the middle of the nationwide shutdown. Find out how he thinks theater will adapt once the crisis is over, what they are doing now to remain relevant and in the public eye, and what the last day on the set was like for the cast and staff of the organization's postponed shows. Tom also talks about the "Avant Promise" campaign and how they are helping their theater family.

The Curator for our nation's U.S. Mint Robert Goler enlightened us about what types of art we can find in the various U.S. Mint facilities across the nation? What exactly does the Mint Curator do? How are artists chosen to design those many coin collections? What is the state of coin collecting today? Where can folks see the collections? These are just some of the questions he answers in this podcast. Also find out why he thinks music is so important during this pandemic we are currently living through.

The Director of the Festival Argentino Daniel Manzoni updated us on his Plan B for the 2020 Festival. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the 33rd Festival is now postponed until October (date TBD). But he does give us some details about the many professional dancers expected to perform. Also find out about the May 16th launch of a video featuring the best of 30 years at the Festival, as well as how his native country is responding to the virus.

National Museum Leader Marsha Semmel offered much insight into the museum world in this "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast. How are museums adapting to the changing world, both in terms of the current shutdown as well as changing technology? What is VUCA and how are museums reacting to it? Why are partnerships so important in these changing times? Plus find out more about her book "Partnership Power: Essential Museum Strategies for Today's Networked World." Lots to learn in this interview.

Carlos Velazquez, Avid Theater Patron and President of the digital marketing firm HMA Associates joined us during the COVID-19 virus on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast. How has he been getting his "theater fix" during the shutdown? Why and how did he become such an avid patron? Why are arts and culture so important? Also get some unique digital marketing advice during this social media age, as well as suggestions for smaller organizations with fewer resources.

Dominion Stage and Port City Playhouse have merged their two organizations. Find out more details in this podcast with Dominion President Matthew Randall and Port City President Mary Beth Smith-Toomey. Also find out what shows they will be presenting in their 2020-2021 season, the latest on the WATCH awards, as well as how they both and their colleagues are coping with the shutdown.

The Artistic Director of BalletNova Matthew Powell appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks. While initially he was going to talk about upcoming productions, instead the conversation centered on coping with the national shutdown. How is his organization still presenting and teaching ballet? How are his teachers and students handling things? What is his advice to other non-profit arts organizations? Find out in this insightful interview, as well as first glimpse into their 40th Anniversary next year.