Our community is truly the reason for and behind everything we do here at Elm Street. In no other year have we been reminded of this fact more than in 2020. 

When the pandemic began, the performing arts took a huge hit to the tune of shut downs, cancellations, and mass postponements–most of which are still in effect for our industry. While these precautions are necessary in order to ensure the safety of our community, it has caused a complete overhaul of operations in order to work against a stagnant revenue source. 

Here are just some of the ways we have adapted this year:

• Various grants, from private foundations as well as through federal funding
• Budget cuts on a large scale (without sacrificing any of our dedicated staff members)
• Donor support, recognizing a need and stepping in to help see us through 
• Visionary volunteer support at our limited events, giving us the heart to keep moving forward
• Increased outdoor events on our Event Green, socially distanced and with new table-side service to ensure the safety of our guests
• Virtual theatre productions as well as frequent live-streamed content through social media

The list goes on, along with our gratitude towards everyone working with us to make art the heartbeat of our vibrant community.

Our donors, volunteers, and our city have shown up in amazing ways to pull the arts in Woodstock through unpredictable circumstances. Look at all we have accomplished together in spite of a pandemic!

• The natural playground in partnership with the City of Woodstock has been finished! Go visit & play! 
• The Kish Center for Ceramics & Pottery is complete, classes have taken place and keep an eye out for more in the new year!
• The Reeves House art gallery is under construction and approaching a long-awaited finish line! (Special thanks to the JW Collection and City of Woodstock for their amazing support!)

As we look ahead into 2021, the future still looks uncertain for the arts in Woodstock. We are facing renewed shortfalls in revenue with the approach of colder weather, when outdoor events will no longer be an option. We are working hard to find every possible way for theatre, music, and the visual arts to stay present in our community and provide us all with joy, perspective, and hope as we navigate this moment together. 

The vital support of our community gives us life!

Please consider participating in Giving Tuesday with us on December 1st, or at any point this month of giving! We’d love to have your continued support by sharing your heart for the arts in Woodstock. 

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

You can also sign up to receive our emails. You can even see some video updates of the new additions to the Elm Street property. You really don’t want to miss it! 

Here’s what we *certainly* can’t wait to share with you in 2021!

• The Lantern Series is back in March with Time for Three, blending classical music with modern pop!
• In addition, The Lantern Series currently has 11 concert events planned from March to October!
• The Reeves House is set to open in Spring of 2021!

Katie Caldwell serves as President on Elm Street Cultural Arts Village’s Board of Directors.