Arts Council Oklahoma City’s Art Moves program adjusted their daily downtown performances to online streaming. “With the current circumstances we’ve been facing regarding the Coronavirus and the canceling of so many events, we felt it imperative to take care of our artists while also continuing our mission of bringing arts and the community together”, says Chase Kerby, Art Moves Director.
Art Moves provides free art events each workday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, previously located at various downtown buildings and public spaces. Daily line-ups feature a wide range of artistic mediums including musical & theater performances, live art demonstrations, short film selections, and more.
On March 19th, 2020, Art Moves transitioned from in-person performances to live streaming. “Normal locations for Art Moves were just not viable as all of us were made aware of the need to limit audience congregation. So last week we partnered with local restaurant groups 84 Hospitality and Humankind Hospitality Services and serenaded the to-go traffic pickups. Art Moves performers maintained strict social distancing outside the restaurants, bringing smiles to customers picking up food,” says Peter Dolese, Executive Director of Arts Council Oklahoma City.
However, with the continuation of COVID -19 and the Safer at Home proclamations from Governor Stitt and Mayor Holt, Art Moves is transitioning to the next phase of online performance. “I’m extremely proud of the exceptional creative Art Moves performers who are now live streaming performances right in their own living rooms at home,” says Dolese.
“By live-streaming, Art Moves is able to continue its mission of championing the connection between artists and Oklahoma City,” says Kerby. “We also hope that this will help establish routines for folks having to work from home during this time. We love supporting local artists, sharing their livestreams, and giving the community something to look forward to every day.”
Visit Arts Council Oklahoma City’s Facebook page for Art Moves live streaming each weekday at noon. Additional information on Arts Council Oklahoma City’s programming and initiatives, can be found on www.artscouncilokc.com.
*Photo: Emily and Chase McCumber at Picasso Cafe, March 19, 2020. NOTE: Photo was taken during early COVID-19 precautions. As of March 25, 2020, All Art Moves artist are performing and live-streaming from home, or studio, to ensure safety for themselves and others.
