Blog - 04-2020 Archive

Staff Picks: A curated list of what to look at, listen to, watch, or read from the team at EAC

ART 100 is a celebration of the centennial anniversary of art and art education at Edinboro University. The state school located in Northwestern Pennsylvania has trained thousands of art educators, whose legacies are immeasurable, and has developed professional artists that have transformed life and culture both in Northwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. This yearlong celebration of art and art education takes place from August 2019 through December 2020.

The documentary is now available for streaming on PBS Passport thanks to Erie affiliate station WQLN. You can watch Art 100 for free by clicking HERE. The documentary is available for free screening between now and November 1, 2020. 

Erie Arts & Culture is excited to present the second installment of the Creative Catalyst Speaker Series. We will be joined electronically by Kemi Ilesanmi on May 6, 2020 at 6 PM. Kemi is the Executive Director of The Laundromat Project, a non-profit arts organization located in New York, NY. The conversation with Kemi will be moderated by Kristen Weeks, the Program Manager of Erie Arts & Culture’s New Horizons initiative. The conversation will be streamed live through Zoom, with time reserved for Q&A.

Erie Arts & Culture experienced exceptional growth in 2019. The team entered 2020 poised to carry that momentum through the calendar year. By the end of the first quarter of the year, the world as we knew it changed as a result of COVID-19. With these changes, the agency adapted its programs and services while still driving forward with its goals and objectives. In our report, we highlight many of the successes and new developments of the agency in Q1.

How has sheltering in place impacted the mental health of Americans? What activities can improve our mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 crisis? You can help inform the answers to these questions. Americans for the Arts is partnering on a new international study to measure the mental health impact of COVID-19 and social distancing on the American public and is seeking volunteers to participate via online surveys. Please take the 10-minute survey and share your experiences.

Staff Picks: A curated list of what to look at, listen to, watch, or read from the team at EAC

As part of the agency's PRO Network, Erie Arts & Culture partnered with Arthur D. Martinucci, Esq., Shareholder at Quinn Law Firm, to present a webinar about filing for unemployment as a self-employed worker or independent contractor. If you are a freelance creative professional who has experienced a disruption in income as a result of the pandemic, this webinar is for you. In this recording, Arthur answers questions about unemployment benefits.

For Earth Day 2020, Erie Arts & Culture is celebrating several "eco-friendly" Erie-based artists. These artists use either green materials and processes to create their work, or they produce work that is a direct commentary on environmental issues. Please enjoy their unique and inspirational work below. A special thanks to Alexa Potter who helped to gather components of this blog post.

Through Erie Arts & Culture's New Horizons initiative, Ansumana Gbembo constructed 150 masks for distribution. The masks were made using a mix of traditional African patterns and contemporary fabrics. The masks are distributed free of charge to New American owned food markets located in the City of Erie.

Staff Picks: A curated list of what to look at, listen to, watch, or read from the team at EAC

Head of Security at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Tim Send becomes an internet sensation with his earnest, funny, and wholesome social media posts. We delve into what makes his posts so successful.

Critical Conversations | Whitewalling: Art, Race & Protest in 3 Acts by Aruna D'Souza

Erie Arts & Culture has partnered with Edinboro University and the Northwestern Pennsylvania Artist Association (NPAA) for the first installment of Critical Conversations. Join us in reading Aruna D’Souza’s book “Whitewalling: Art, Race & Protest in 3 Acts.” Those reading the book will be invited to participate in online discussions based on the text being read. Conversations will occur through video conferencing and will be scheduled for four different occurrences.  The group will conclude with a moderated panel discussion. 

Erie Arts & Culture has purchased 20 copies of D’Souza’s book. Those who would like a complimentary copy of the book should email Patrick Fisher ([email protected]) by 4/17/2020.

Nick Tulino, a local personal trainer, is offering a customized exercise program in exchange for a $35 donation to Erie Arts & Culture's Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.

Staff Picks: A curated list of what to look at, listen to, watch, or read from the team at EAC