Artsline: Virtual Edition || June 15, 2020
"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." ~Aristotle
We are living in significant times - and local arts and cultural organizations are responding in tremendous ways. During this time of tremendous change, engage in RVA arts & culture online or in socially-distant ways by checking out the opportunities below. Or discover the artist in you through some online workshops or lectures!
1. JUNETEENTH 2020, A FREEDOM CELEBRATION
History/Culture
June 20, 5pm
Elegba Folklore Society presents Juneteenth 2020, A Freedom Celebration virtually. All are welcome to join in for a good time at the backyard party and engage in culture and history, circle up in community, and feel empowered, feel joyful and consider what matters. This year’s theme is "Independence Day Our Way," featuring musical and theatrical performances, food demonstrations and tastings, shopping, ceremonies, activities for children, commentaries, some international check-ins and a DJ making music in the backyard. Participate via Facebook Liveand YouTube.
2. ALL IN TOGETHER VA
Visual Art
Anytime
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture partnered with local artists Hamilton Glassand Matt Lively to mobilize kids all over the RVA to create a special collage - All In Together. This city-wide art initiative features ongoing and multiple murals around Richmond that showcase the creativity and resilience of Virginians. It provides an important opportunity for self-expression and symbolizes togetherness during a time when we must be physically distant for the good of the community. Each mural is created from coloring sheets submitted by individuals and was assembled by the artists to form a larger mural. Look for them when you are out and about in the RVA!
3. THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
Theatre
June 18 - July 19 , 7:30pm (4pm matinees)
Firehouse Theatre presents the first show of their 2020/21 season: The Picture of Dorian Gray, featuring a slightly reduced version of the full text of Oscar Wilde's 1891 gothic tale of desire, mortality, and ephemerality, to be performed by a single actor -- Billy Christopher Maupin. The theatre will have audience capacity limited to between 2 and 6 seats, and select performances will also be live-streamed. This is a pay-what-you-can event, with recommended donations at $30. Go HERE for a performance schedule and registration.
4. 2040
Film
Now thru June 19
In a special partnership with the film's producers, The Ashland Theatre, offers access for streaming the film 2040, from award-winning director Damon Gameau. Concerned about his young daughter's future, Gameau travels the world in search of new approaches and solutions to climate change. He meets with innovators and changemakers in many fields to draw on their expertise. Cost for streaming online is $12 and a percentage of sales revenue will go to support Ashland Theatre! Also be on the lookout for Ashland Theatre After Dark - a drive-in movie opportunity in the heart of Ashland!
5. DREAMS VIRTUAL GALLERY
Visual Art
Online thru June
Gallery5 went live in June with a new virtual gallery, displaying art from RVA’s vast and diverse artists. The topic: Dreams. Spend a few moments checking out what has always been great about our community - tremendous local talent.
6. VIRTUAL VALENTINE
History
Anytime
The Valentine offers a broad look at Richmond’s history - virtually! From downloadable resources for students to their Richmond Stories podcast to online exhibits and video programming and tours - The Valentine is at your fingertips. Also check out their write-in history project, gathering local kid’s stories about living through these times!
7. WAXAHATCHEE - FULL ALBUM PERFORMANCE LIVE STREAMS
Music
Mondays thru June, 8pm
Waxahatchee performs her albums in their entirety on Mondays through June - brought to you by The Broadberry! Experience the incredible, evolving sounds of Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield, tickets are $15 per stream.
8. AT HOME ACTIVITIES FROM VA REP THEATRE
Theatre
Anytime
Virginia Rep is turning to the power of community, connection and creativity to keep working for RVA. For students, they offer at-home activities, free educational videos, and fairy tale bedtime stories told by local actors! VA Rep’s summer camps have also gone virtual. Check HERE for dates and fees.
9. VIRTUAL NOIR AT THE BAR
Literary
June 20, 8pm
RVA City Writers is a group of wordslingers in the Richmond, VA area who come together to promote and share the work of local authors usually working in dark genre fiction (crime, noir, horror, mystery). This time, their regular gathering is virtual - bring the beverage of your choice and chat about some great reads, featuring Meriah Crawford, Phillip Thompson, and more!
If you are an arts or cultural organization with social-distance-safe events such as online classes, virtual exhibitions or concerts, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here. If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
