Tune in to the Fun August 7–9, 2020
For the past several months, Wayne Andrews, director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC), and his crew have been hard at work coming up with creative ways to deliver arts experiences to the community during the sudden and unpredictable pandemic-quarantine-crisis situation that has been thrust upon us all.
In March 2020, the virtual Stay @ Home Festival was designed to hire local artists to produce online content, to support artists and restaurant workers through the J.E. Pitts Fund, and to provide an online gallery and options for visual artists.
Through this program, YAC has been able to help some local folks who have been affected by the pandemic. In fact, you can still donate to the J.E. Pitts Artists fund at OxfordArts.com.
Now, it’s August and the popular Art-er Limits: Oxford Fringe Festival is in the late planning stages. Now that most businesses are open and people are venturing out, Andrews is working on making the festival social distancing-friendly.
“We have stripped back the festival focusing on events we could do outside,” said Andrews. “Indoor events will be at the Powerhouse with size limitations while adding live streaming.”
So, even if you are still not comfortable getting out in public, you can enjoy the festival from home.
Fringe Fest will kick off Thursday, August 6 with the hugely popular Iron Bartender Competition. Previously held at The Powerhouse Community Arts Center, this event is now planned to take place around the Oxford Square. More details will be forthcoming, so stay tuned to YAC’s social media pages, and be sure to check in regularly at oxfordarts.com.
Friday and Saturday, August 7–8, Theatre Oxford will present The Complete History of Theatre (abridged) at the Powerhouse, followed by “Spillit – Audience Participation Sotrytelling” on Friday, and Kinetic Etchings Dance Project on Saturday. Both nights will begin at 7 pm, and tickets will include a complimentary beverage sponsored by Cathead Vodka.
Later Saturday night, Project(ion), the free Projection Art Showcase will be on display around the Oxford Square starting at 9 pm.
Finally, the festival will wrap up Sunday, August 9, with an evening at the Old Armory Pavilion with the Summer Sunset Concert Series at 6 pm, featuring the Jett Powers Incident.
Due to COVID-19, attendance will be limited. Social distancing guidelines will be in place and attendees will wear masks at indoor events.
Tickets are available at oxfordarts.com: Thursday $24/$30 member/non-member; Friday & Saturday $12/$15 member/non-member. Sunday’s concert is free!
Although planning a socially distanced festival has been a challenge, Andrews says, “We are trying to retain experiences that have been part of our growth, offer experiences, and test new ways to offer programming.”
The Art-er Limits: Oxford Fringe Festival is sponsored by Cathead Vodka, The Mississippi Arts Commission, Visit Mississippi, and Visit Oxford.
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