Setting the Stage for the Arts in Vancouver

Friends and Artists,
In 2003, we set out with a mission to build a dedicated arts center to serve as an economic driver, educational catalyst, and cultural asset to Southwest Washington. But in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the arts and culture sector has taken a devastating blow and is now embarking on its first steps toward recovery. In response, our newsletter has highlighted opportunities to promote our local artists and arts organizations. Now we are calling all arts supporters to join the conversation on how we rebuild the arts in Vancouver and beyond.
We believe that the arts are for everyone, and that they are fundamental to our shared human experience. They enable and inspire us — fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. They help us express our values, build bridges between cultures, and bring us together regardless of socioeconomic background, ethnicity, religion, or age. In times like these, it is more important than ever to acknowledge the critical role the arts have in our lives.
We're opening the floor to start a dialogue on how our community can answer Vancouver' call for culture. With your voice, we can create a thriving arts scene and a vibrant destination downtown. In the coming weeks, we will invite you to share your thoughts and ideas on arts programming, activities, and community engagement.
Together we can embrace change — not only to rebuild the arts — but to set the stage for a future where the arts are always growing and thriving. For more information about our mission, visit our website, or contact us at [hidden email]. Until next week!
Sincerely,
The SWCA Team
And Now For This Week’s Top Picks…

ARTS | Covid Relief for Artists
All artists currently living in Clark County who also participated in Artstra's Clark County Open Studio Tour in any of the past seven years are eligible to apply for $500 in relief due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Applications Accepted through August 15, 2020.

MUSIC | Learning through Music
If you've been seeking out music instruction opportunities, look no further! Groove Nation is offering private music lessons and group music classes for youth and adults. Students are invited to show off what they've learned in their annual music recital.

THEATRE | Virtual Camps
This summer Metropolitan Performing Arts will be offering a variety of camps during the months of June, July, and August. Kids ages 6-18 can experience Scenic Painting, Acting Camp, Show Choir, Off Broadway, and much more! Save your spot by registering today.

DANCE | Online Dance Workshops
Journey Theater has announced a series of 9 online summer workshops for kids ages 6-18! Choose from topics like Dance Through Disney, Acting Through Emotions, Musical Theater Fundamentals, and more. Keep your kids creative all summer long!

CINEMA | New Virtual Screenings
Support your local theater by bringing the theatrical experience home! Choose from a variety of fantastic independent films in the Kiggins' Virtual Screening Room, and consider purchasing some Kiggins' Gift Certificates to be used later or gifted to a friend.

LITERARY ARTS | Poetry Open Mic Night
Ghost Town Poetry invites you to a virtual Open Mic Night featuring Carey Taylor. Tune in tonight at 7 PM on Zoom to experience live poetry from home! Guests are invited to read one poem for three minutes or less. Be sure to RSVP by no later than 3 PM to get in the lineup and access the invitation link.

YOUTH | Summer Programs
Vancouver Parks and Recreation has announced limited youth recreation programming for summer 2020. The department is offering its free Food and Fun program, along with tuition-based day camps available at the Marshall Community Center and the Firstenburg Community Center starting June 29th.