We want to begin with gratitude for the overwhelming support of our community in response to the cancellation of our gala. This time of collective worry and constant re-assessment has been both overwhelming to experience, and heartening to see how it has brought our community together (even from a distance).
In this spirit of community support and transparency, we want to take a moment to share some good news and update you about how we are responding to the challenges of this uncertain time.
ART Virtual Gala: The Results
On Thursday, March 12, Artists Rep made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 gala scheduled for Saturday, March 14 based on Governor Kate Brown’s recommendations to suspend all large gatherings. Due to the financial repercussions and short notice, we did not make this decision lightly, but the speed with which events shifted required that we make a hard choice to put the health of our donors, staff, and volunteers first.
We quickly pivoted to a “virtual paddle raise,” and our community of extraordinary supporters responded: between Thursday morning and Sunday night, 170+ donors gave more than $130,000—that’s an amazing average gift of $760! Gifts ranged from $10 to $10,000 and came from ART staff and artists, the broader community that supports theatre and the arts, and from individuals who have never even attended one of our productions. From every one of us at Artists Rep: thank you.
We are also appreciative of Vibrant Table Catering & Events, who manage the venue we were planning to use. While food had already been purchased for the event, VT donated as much as possible to Urban Gleaners, a Portland non-profit that helps connect communities in need with surplus food. It has been moving to witness the many ways businesses and individuals alike are striving to support each other.
Looking For Tiger Lily Update
Based on Governor Brown’s executive order limiting gatherings of 25 or more people until at least mid-April, we must postpone the final production of our current season. We will continue to follow developments in the coming weeks before announcing the new performance dates. In any case, we have made a commitment to the playwright, cast, and creative team that we will produce the play, whether in the current season or the next. We’ll update you as soon as we know more. Please note that your tickets will be applied to the future production of Looking for Tiger Lily regardless of performance dates.
Box Office & Admin Schedule
We are continuing to conduct business as our staff works remotely; don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions! Our Box Office window at Portland Center Stage has been temporarily closed, but staff can be reached at 503.241.1278 or at boxoffice@artistsrep.org and will return your call or email within 48 hours. Our administrative staff can be reached by email or phone (a full directory can be found here).
2020/21 Season Announcment
We’ve been hard at work in the past few months securing venues and creating a dynamic line-up of plays for our upcoming 2020/21 season, but we have made the decision to delay the announcement of our next season until there is more clarity as to when public assembly will once again be safe. We appreciate your patience and support as we use this time to stay flexible and responsive.
Education Classes and Other Events
In response to rapidly shifting recommendations, all in-person classes and public events are postponed until restrictions on public assembly are lifted. If you are enrolled in a class, we will be in contact with you directly. We’re doing our best to move as much as we can to remote/video-conferencing; we hope you’ll partner with us in exploring these new ways to connect and learn together.
Supporting Art and Independent Artists
Thank you for staying engaged and supportive of Artists Rep. The effects of COVID-19 will be felt across the arts community. While every organization is facing unprecedented challenges, the livelihood of individual artists is at stake with every postponed or cancelled performance. If you want to help provide financial assistance to members of the Portland-area theatre community facing a medical or personal emergency, Portland Area Theatre Alliance’s Valentine Fund is a resource; to support independent/freelance artists facing lost income, consider the PDX Artists Relief Fund. If you’d like to show your support directly to Artists Rep, you can do so here. All of us here at Artists Rep are grateful for your generous support. We will continue to monitor the ever-evolving situation. As we do so, we look forward to once again sharing stories that matter.