April 20, 2020 10:50 a.m.
In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:
The Board of Directors of the Umpqua Valley Arts has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Summer Arts Festival due to the COVID-19 situation.
Board President Emily Brandt said “UVA’s highest priority is the health and safety of our Summer Arts Festival community, including our members, staff, supporters, vendors and volunteers”. Brandt said as the pandemic unfolds, it became clear that the “in the face of an unprecedented situation, we need to make tough choices and act in the best interest of our community”, She said “this is a devastating crossroad for both our organization and the arts community”.
2020 will mark the first time in 52 years, UVA has not held its Summer Arts Festival, which has taken place on the last weekend of June since 1968. The event typically showcases over 100 vendors representing a broad range of the arts community and attracts over 10,000 people.
Community Outreach Director Sarah Holborow said the group was especially looking forward to highlighting the festival theme of “STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math”, but the well-being of the community had to be the number one concern.
Holborow said plans are already underway for the 2021 Summer Arts Festival.
Brandt said “I am sorry this difficult decision had to be made, but I am certain that it is the right one”.
Sarah Holborow will talk more about the event’s cancellation and about what is still happening with UVA on the Morning Conversation Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. on News Radio 1240 KQEN.