While it seems like a long time before golden leaves tumble along the streets in October, we’ve been preparing for Open Studios 2020 since last November. Artists had been hard at work preparing for the Tour.
Then came this global pandemic. Now, we’ve shifted our thoughts to how we can possibly protect the safety of artists and appreciators alike through an event like the Tour.
You may be wondering if the 2020 Open Studios Tour will go ahead as planned. We’re sad to report that it won’t. At least not in the way you’ve known. That said, art-making continues across this wildly creative community. So, we’re exploring new ways to connect you, our community, to the visual artists who inspire you.
Staff is meeting regularly with the Open Studios Committee (which includes several Open Studio artists) to determine what we can do to support and promote the artists we love and appreciate so much. As we put plans in place, we’ll keep you up to speed.
In the meantime, you can help artists now:
- Check out your favorite artists’ websites and our Facebook page or Instagram feed to see what they’re creating and treat yourself to something wonderful;
- Donate to our Grants Program, which has shifted its focus to relief and recovery funding for artists and organizations; and
- Support our Arts Education Programs, which employ teaching artists as we move to virtual classrooms.
In this way, you can directly support artists. Learn more about artist resources on our website .
Thank you for your support of the arts and artists. Stay safe and healthy. And keep in touch. We’ll get through this together.
— A letter from Arts Council Santa Cruz County