For the past 63 years, the Arts Council of Oak Ridge has been more than just a nonprofit organization. It has forged friendships, worked with some of the best community leaders, fostered new arts organizations, and proudly supported a region rich in arts and culture, a press release said.
But now it is time to start a new phase for the arts in Oak Ridge, the press release said.
The Council has decided to close its doors.
“With the stress of the pandemic, and its imposed limitations on the arts world at large, it is time for all the wonderful area agencies to tighten their belts and pursue new avenues of fundraising,” the press release said. “We are so grateful to have been a part of such an amazing legacy and we have nothing but gratitude for the community that has supported us all these years. Thank you, Oak Ridge, for 63 wonderful years!”
The Arts Council of Oak Ridge has worked to raise the visibility of all arts groups, promote the arts as a community asset, and assist its member organization in fund raising efforts since 1956, according to its website. It has consisted of a board of community volunteers, representing the arts and the corporate business community, and an executive director. The COVID-19 pandemic, which started here in March 2020, had meant that many of its organizations’ events have been postponed or canceled. Though the Arts Council is closing, its member organizations have not. Member organizations have included Arts Center, Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, Music Arts, Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association, Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, Oak Ridge Community Band, and Oak Ridge Philharmonia.
The Arts Council of Oak Ridge used to present the Secret City Festival along with the City of Oak Ridge and Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is now Explore Oak Ridge.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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