Albany: 5 Questions w/ Community Arts Leader Louise Kerr | Saratoga Sounds Under 'Acoustic Clouds'

5 Questions with Community Arts

Leader Louise Kerr

Louise Kerr took over the job as Executive Director at Saratoga Arts in August of 2020, right smack dab in the middle of COVID. I first ran into her in the wild at an event ACE was helping to amplify earlier this year, the Monkey Business fundraising gala in Albany put together by the folks at 518 Film Network. Within about 30 seconds of our meeting she was already talking about opportunities for us to collaborate, something that she is increasingly known for in the Saratoga art scene and beyond. With a sparkling energy and an eager passion she shares her vision for a more connected arts ecosystem. This month we took a minute to understand exactly what that looks like to her in the practical world.

Corey Aldrich : Senior ACE Contributor

SHALL WE?

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.

Visit CapNY on Instagram at @gocapny.

Saratoga Sounds Under 'Acoustic Clouds' :

Re-envisioning the Arthur Zankel Music Center

Several years ago while doing some music programming in Saratoga Springs for UPH, I became aware of the robust jazz program that was gracing the halls of the Zankel. A gem on the Skidmore campus (along with one of my favorite regional museums the TANG!) this tidily sized and appointed venue is often overlooked by the public at large. Recent hire, Managing Director Zhenelle LaBel is looking to change that by integrating more into the fabric of the Saratoga community and beyond.

"Next year will bring exciting changes to our program, with new artistic residencies and a shift toward more multi-disciplinary performances. I am working on a thematic framework for our 2023/24 season...curating artists whose music both uplifts and informs."

Corey Aldrich : Senior ACE Contributor

ZANKEL ACTIVATE!

INSIDE ACE! | CREATING A NEW PATH

This month I decided to explore Saratoga through the lens of two organizations. Both of them are creating a new trajectory, to refresh and revive their mission and expand their community outreach as they explore different sides of the cities' and regions arts and cultural scenes. First up is an interview with Louise Kerr of Saratoga Arts. A staunch supporter of ACE and someone with a strong vision and big plans for the upcoming year. I am excited to say we are planning on integrating with them in the near future with a live event tentatively planned for early 2023. Next up, we explore an established but little know gem that fits in the performance space sweet spot with excellent acoustics and a 600 seat capacity. The Arthur Zankel Music Center has a new member on the leadership team and is looking to expand it's connection with the greater Saratoga music / performance scene. I am personally excited to see how that manifests in the upcoming year.

Last months ACE collaboration event was a brilliant success! The opening of the 2023 Opalka Gallery Pop Up Beer Garden series drew over 450 people. Special thanks to Judie Gilmore, Amy Griffin, Natasha Holmes and Nathan Meltz on an outstanding program. This year is the 20th Anniversary for the gallery. To help them celebrate make sure to check out the upcoming event on October 21st, an eclectic evening featuring contributions from the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company, the NY Writers Institute, Albany Pro Musica, the Proctors Collaborative and more. A limited run libation will be released that evening brewed by Rare Form Brewing featuring Nine Pin Cider called 'Collab Button Brew' that will sport a series of labels featuring regional artist designs. How exciting!

Corey Aldrich

ACE! : Executive Director

E: hello@upstateace.org | W: upstatecreative.org | SOCIALS: @upstatecreative

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