Updated: July 3, 2020 – 8:00am
The Arts Council of New Westminster (ACNW) is keeping up to date with the continuing developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We are communicating and coordinating with our members, non-profits, partners, and local municipality to ensure we are guided by evidence-based recommendations published by Fraser Health Authority, BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The health and safety of artists, audiences, and ACNW staff and volunteers is our top priority. We are carefully reviewing updates to determine our course of action during this time. We would like to assure our community that we are committed to the safety of all who attend ACNW events and are taking the appropriate measures to help ensure that participants will experience a safe and healthy environment.
Effective, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all City of New Westminster community centres and public facilities have been closed to the public. This has impacted our operations of The Gallery at Queen’s Park. All exhibitions, events, workshops, rental use, and activities have been cancelled up to August 31, 2020.
As such, we are announcing that the following updates on ACNW programming:
The Gallery at Queen’s Park – Closed until August 31, 2020
New West Craft Artisan Markets
A pilot project is being undertaken at Tipperary Park on July 4, 2020. More info here
ArtsToGo/Momentum Youth Arts
An ArtsToGo Workshop was posted online for Canada Day. View here
A pilot project in partnership between these two programs is being undertaken in July and August. More info here
Last Monday at the Movies
The remainder of the 2019/2020 season, up to June 2020. Join us for start of our 18th Season in September 2020. Contact programs@acnw.ca for details about 2019/2020 Season Pass credits
Seniors Expressions Through the Arts
All activities are now taking place online. Contact seniors@acnw.ca for more details
ACNW Summer Music Program
All in-person activities are cancelled until August 31, 2020. Currently being redeveloped through a podcast series
New West Cultural Crawl
We are currently planning for this festival to take place with in-person activities on October 16 & 17, 2020. More information here
Additional events are currently being evaluated. If you are unsure about an activity or program, please email info@acnw.ca for clarity.
We also wish to highlight on-going activities that you can participate in from your home:
- List to seven episodes of the ArtsNW podcast here
- New West Cultural Roundtable – Monthly – details here
Additional resources and public statements:
Canadian Heritages FAQ (click here)
Canada Council for the Arts FAQ (click here)
BC Arts Council FAQ (click here)
BC Gaming Statement (click here)
BC Alliance for Arts + Culture Resource Page (click here)
ArtsBC Resource PDF (click here)
What we can continue to collectively do:
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces daily.
As audiences are needing to stay at home. What are their options?
- You may donate your tickets back to Arts Council of New Westminster and we will issue you a charitable tax receipt for the equivalent amount. This is a particular gift during a challenging time for non-profit arts organizations like the ACNW.
- Give your tickets to a friend! They can pick up the tickets under your name, just call the box office and let us know.
- Exchange your tickets for a future performance. Please contact our office to discuss options by calling 604-525-3244 or e-mailing info@acnw.ca. We hope that all of you stay healthy – and we look forward to seeing you safely soon.
As new directives require additional physical distancing requirements, our arts activities will be complient with these guidlines. Artists are exploring exciting ways to continue creating; many arts organizations are live-streaming and podcasting (including the ACNW ArtsNW Podcast). We encourage you to practicing social distancing as we continue our lives and responsibly enjoy arts activities.
Sincerely,
Stephen O’Shea
Executive Director
