Arts news: A replenished relief fund, American Stage virtually

Having already distributed $97,800 to artists, arts organizations and creative businesses, the Pinellas Arts Community Relief Fund has once again opened its heart, and its coffers, to offer assistance in these scary times of Covid-19.

The fund, created and administered by Creative Pinellas, the Arts Alliance of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Community Foundation, has announced that it is once again taking applications.

Donations are, naturally, still being sought. As long as the pandemic goes on, this will be a bottomless well.

Artists, organizations and donors are encouraged to go here to find out what to do.

American Stage, virtually

With the prospect of live performances at a standstill for the foreseeable future, bay area theaters continue to brainstorm new ways to maintain a presence in the community. St. Petersburg’s American Stage, the longest-lived professional theater on either side of Tampa Bay, has launched a new series – actually, a series of series – aimed at virtual engagement.

“Ultimately, underlying all of our work is the goal of uniting our community through the shared human experience via stories and classes that promote connection and empathy,” producing artistic director Stephanie Gularte said in a statement announcing the new initiatives. “Our virtual programs will allow American Stage to continue to provide a sense of community unity and to help keep us all connected.”

Indeed, Virtual Stage is a series of short performances, created by American Stage staff, including the “Summer Shorts” series, the “Shakespeare Lite Festival” in June, a 10-minute New Short Plays Festival in July, and in August, the Living Room Plays, recapping favorite scenes and characters from American Stage’s four decades.

Meanwhile, the American Stage podcast, Spotlight, continues; starting in June, Gularte will host a series of live weekly virtual community roundtables called Creative Conversations.

American Stage has also ramped up its educational quotient with virtual summer camp classes, adult programs and more.

Get more information here.

And now, this

More than 70 artists, guests and aficionados visited Florida CraftArt‘s virtual “Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest 2020” May 8. All of the works – by artists from all over the state – can be viewed in an online exhibition book here, which also includes biographies and statements from the artists.

Jazz artists Nate Najar and Daniela Soledade have been performing virtual concerts weekly from their downtown balcony overlooking the city. This Friday’s performance, however, will be a little different: Joining Nate (guitar) and Daniela (vocals) will be two additional players. And the show (via Facebook Live) will be streamed from thestudio@620 (without, of course, an actual audience).