In an industry where the show must go on, the performing arts have taken a significant hit with forced postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19.
In response, the Surrey School District is joining organizations, groups and individuals across Canada for Light Up Live, a show of support for the arts and performing arts workers on the Day of Visibility for the Live Event Community. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, an hour after sundown, the Bell Performing Arts Centre will light up red to raise awareness for the live event industry, which has been in the dark since the start of the pandemic.
"The arts are an important part of our district and we want to recognize the community contributions of artists and performers, as well as technical and operational staff, who haven't had a stage since early this year," said Liane Ricou, Associate Director of Business Development with the district. "Our theatre may be empty but we still want to celebrate the arts and encourage creative expression among students and the public."
As the Bell Performing Arts Centre hosts numerous live arts events and shows every year, the district also wants to use this opportunity to thank local arts, performing and community organizations for their hard work over the years in sustaining the arts in Surrey.
"We know that the arts cannot happen in traditional ways right now," said Ricou. "Light Up Live is one small way we are able to come together to acknowledge the role the arts have played, and will play again one day, in our community."
For more information, including a map of participating venues across Canada, visit lightuplive.ca
