Local Arts Groups Get Creative, Look for Funding as They Chart a Difficult Path Forward

The Orange County Board of Supervisors recently heard a passionate plea: don't forget the value and importance of Orange County's arts community.

That message was presented at a May 19 meeting of the OCBOS as it considered how to distribute $75 million in CARES Act funding to small businesses throughout Orange County that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

At its most recent meeting on Tuesday, the board approved a distribution plan: each supervisor will develop criteria to determine which businesses would receive some of the $15 million allocated for his or her district. (The county is divided into five districts; the $75 million will be distributed evenly among them.)

Richard Stein, president of Arts Orange County, which represents and advocates for more than 700 local arts organizations, reminded the supervisors at last week's meeting that the arts contribute significantly to the local economy.

Online Raves: Orange County EDM DJs Reach New Audiences From Home

The bangers lost their bass. Concert venues are oceans of empty seats and festival grounds and clubs have become ghost towns.

The days of live performances are dormant, at least for now.

But Orange County's electronic dance music (EDM) fans — who, like many, may have lost track of the days — can turn to live-streaming for virtual performances by their favorite artists on social media, events that become highlights during the week.

While the majority of Orange County's arts and culture organizations and venues remain physically closed; virtual/streaming offerings are thriving, and some outdoor venues are beginning their phased re-openings. Arts Orange County is pleased to combine its recommendations for online enrichment with some good news about places you can now visit personally. ArtsOC and Voice of OC continue to urge everyone to follow the State and County's current guidelines on distancing and masking as they venture out. 

City of Tustin: Virtual Rec Center

Tustin's handily-organized virtual offerings include a guide to safe public spaces you can explore in the city, as well as opportunities to study and play in the comfort of home  DETAILS »

Sherman Library & Gardens

With advance ticket purchase and face mask, visitors can once again walk among the beautiful plants and flowers of the Sherman Library & Gardens in Newport Beach; and even pick up a to-go meal from the Cafe Jardin  DETAILS »

Forest and Ocean Gallery

Laguna Beach's showcase venue for up-and-coming local artists is offering photos and videos of the works on display  DETAILS »

Music of John Williams

The Pacific Symphony presents a free, family-friendly concert featuring the works of Hollywood's most celebrated composer, complete with a Q&A session and accompanying educational materials parents can use  DETAILS »

Staged Stories Series

Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble presents two short plays plus artist talkbacks as the first in a series of streaming productions  DETAILS »