Even in these uncertain times, the business of art in Fort Wayne keeps moving forward. In fact, it is that very uncertainty that requires a steady hand at the helm.
For Fort Wayne Dance Collective, that person is the new executive director, Lee Rainboth.
Rainboth is a visual artist who has curated art exhibits and worked with Indiana arts organizations for many years. He comes to Fort Wayne from South Dakota where he was cultural program manager for the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, coordinating residencies, workshops, performances, and festivals for indigenous artists from all regions of North America. He has also served as the executive director for the Jacmel Arts Center in Jacmel Haiti.
In the press release announcing the hire, Rainboth touted the importance of the inclusiveness of Fort Wayne Dance Collective programming.
“Fort Wayne Dance Collective has a reputation for creating avenues for everyone to get involved in dance, movement, and rhythm, including those that would often feel excluded in traditional arts spaces,” he said. “That kind of deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion is inspiring and I wanted to join the organization so that I could play a part in helping it grow and reach even more people in more profound ways.
“I also recognize that the Fort Wayne community is fertile ground for such arts programming to have a big impact in people’s lives. It’s that expansive creative potential that has led me here to this position and I am absolutely looking forward to being a part of the community and part of the team at FWDC.”
Pining for the Festival of trees
As recently announced here, Festival of Trees had been adapted to accommodate our current restrictions, providing a path for another exciting year at the Embassy.
Since that announcement, however, Allen County has toughened the expectations as a result of rising rates of infection in our area.
For the 36th installment of Festival of Trees, there will be no stage performances nor a screening of White Christmas. There will also be no food so that all participants can remain masked at all times.
Timed tickets will allow the venue to stay below the 100 people limit, and the flow will, as previously announced, go but one direction.
Hours will be somewhat expanded to accommodate these restrictions and allow more people to attend. There will be closings at intervals to allow for vigorous cleaning of the facility.
Santa and the entire event will be available virtually for those who choose not to attend in person. For more information, visit fwembassytheatre.org.
