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Arts & Culture continued

“Pivot is the word of the year,” Shanley says via Zoom students in the fall, part of the 25-year partnership as the
from his home office, a space filled with vintage stage and arts and education provider for Broward County Schools,
concert posters, awards and family portraits peeking from hosting 150,000 students annually.
a bookshelf.
“I think we have learned how important the arts are to
“When you can no longer use theaters, you could easily people’s lives, even at home; we’ve seen a return to
think that it’s all we personal art in this moment and how it helps us get through
it,” he continues. "From people singing from balconies, to
are for the community, but it would be a mistake. Broward
Center uses arts to serve the community beyond the stage, people imitating famous works of art in their home,
especially through outreach and education." he says. producing, consuming art – in such humble ways from their
living room with audiences from around the world – if we
"We were able to pivot immediately and work with local ever wondered if art was important in our lives, through all
teachers and parents to provide "Broward Center @Home," this, we can agree that it truly is." he says.
a series of online, interactive programs and camps working
with local and international artists. They have been more "We all miss the experience of sharing art together in the
than willing to step into this virtual space and try to do same room, that electric connection that happens in only
something that’s meaningful, inspiring and hopeful for our in that moment; but in the meantime we have seen tons of
South Florida audience. We can continue to play that role great things happening at home through creativity, culture
for the community, despite the circumstances." and art and it’s helping us get through it.” he says.
The Broward Center is recognized as a Top Ten National
Virtual student classes are truly inspiring, the instructors
Venue and largest provider of arts outreach programs
and kids are so excited, engaged and having a great time
learning about art and honing their own skills…great nationally, hosting more shows and audiences than any
other venue in Florida. Shanley is a member of the
things helping everyone get through the isolation at home
with a little inspiration and fun. This will continue for local Reopening Advisory Committee, part of a professional

rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com
18 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com