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Arts & Culture
KEEPING THE
A season of improv for
cultural organizations and the
audiences who miss them
roward County cultural and arts events are more
than just seasonal fun these days, enhancing our
Btourism mecca and attracting fans of all ages to the
area to attend local theater, beachfront music festivals, live
jazz, food & wine events. According to the Broward
Cultural Affairs Division, the largest supporter and funder
of local artists organizations, the impact of spending by
nonprofit arts and cultural organizations is far reaching.
“Sixty three percent of nonresident- survey -respondents
indicated that the primary purpose of their visit to Broward
County was “specifically to attend this arts/cultural event.”
Whether serving the local community or out-of-town
visitors, a vibrant arts and culture industry helps our local
economy thrive. Funding for the arts during the pandemic,
however, has been imperiled. Congress is now
considering the Save our Stages Act or #THESOSACT, a
bill authorizing the Small Business Administration (SBA) to
make grants to eligible live venue operators, producers, photo by Jason Nuttle
promoters, or talent representatives to address the
economic effects of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus CEO since 2009, Kelley Shanley has led the Broward
disease 2019) pandemic on certain live venues. Center to stratospheric levels of success. The Broward
Center hosts an annual audience of more than 600,000
This season needs art patrons like no other. Local people, working with an estimated $58 million budget
sponsors, community trust donors and supporting members and contributing more than $90 million to the local
have stepped in to share resources, waive grant economy. Finishing 2019 with the highest grossing
requirements and renew membership; others are sharing season, thanks to national tours of Tony award-winning
resources, providing health guidance for staff, facility shows like "Hamilton”, Broward Center was able to move
upgrades and advice for safely reopening venues.
ahead with renovations of the historic Parker Playhouse
I sat down with Broward Center for the Performing Arts and continue as a provider of arts education for local
CEO, Kelley Shanley, to discuss how he and other key students. Broward Center has stayed true to a community
leaders nationwide are responding to the threat of commitment of connecting artists with audiences through
coronavirus and its’ impact on the creative economy. performance and education.
16 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com