Times of the Islands

Finding Strength in the Arts

Alliance inspires through creativity

-

The arts have kept the world entertaine­d and inspired in this time of great uncertaint­y. During stay-at-home mandates we heard neighbors joining their voices from balconies, watched videos of frontline workers choreograp­hing dances, explored the great museums virtually and even indulged in the release of the highly anticipate­d screen version of Hamilton.

While the 2020/2021 Southwest Florida arts and cultural season isn’t exactly business as usual, it hasn’t deterred artists and cultural entities from transformi­ng lives and improving the community through the arts. The Alliance for the Arts, now in its 45th season, is on the front lines in this endeavor.

To support the creativity of the Southwest Florida community, the Alliance shifted to virtual classes, theater and events; a drive-through GreenMarke­t; and limited onsite programmin­g. Today you can drive through the Alliance for the Arts campus on McGregor Blvd. and be inspired by outdoor exhibits and public art, including the newest addition, the “Caloosahat­chee Water Wall” by artist Michael Singer. You can also experience the power of creativity while running errands with the Art Lives Here outdoor gallery, which transforms billboard space into public art.

Now more than ever, working with, listening to and celebratin­g each other as a community is vital. People need the arts to entertain, connect with and excite each other and will need the power of creativity to help reimagine the world for the future. While the Alliance staff is not certain what the fall brings, they look forward to continuing to create and to inspire all of Southwest Florida. We’re all in this together, even if we are six feet apart.

For more informatio­n, call 239-939-2787, visit ArtInLee.org, or find the Alliance on Facebook (Facebook.com/ArtInLee.org), Instagram (@Alliancefo­rtheArts) or follow on Twitter (@ArtInLee).

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? The Alliance for the Arts is keeping the arts alive in Southwest Florida, pandemic or not, through public art programs like Art Lives Here, dressing up billboards (left); and outdoor art displays (far left).
The Alliance for the Arts is keeping the arts alive in Southwest Florida, pandemic or not, through public art programs like Art Lives Here, dressing up billboards (left); and outdoor art displays (far left).

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States