#RedAlertRESTART the Arts in Austin
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 BY LONG
This week, we’re all about what we miss most about hosting events right now — YOU. So we’re turning things upside down to show how much live experiences, concerts, theatrical productions, and gatherings mean to us, while highlighting ALL the individuals that make our industry and our city what it is.
Time to RESTART the Arts Because #WeMakeEvents
Tonight’s red lights will make sure that you definitely won’t miss our building if you drive by… by design.
It’s no secret that arts & culture represents a critical part of our creative economy (and the un-creative economy, for that matter), so tonight buildings and landmarks across the nation are lit up to raise public awareness that the live events industry is on Red Alert for its very survival and to urge our civic leaders to act now.
But the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our favorite activities goes much further than our gathering spaces and our concert halls. It has also monumentally impacted the individual creatives that work within the industry — meaning the designers, technicians, programmers, stagehands, production professionals, musicians, composers, equipment shops, box office workers, and others that add whimsy to the experiences we love.
#RedAlertRESTART Long Center ring beam // lighting design by Michelle Lehman
You Didn’t Attend this #EmptyEvent
Last Friday, a host of individuals and vendors from around town came together to stage an Empty Event installation on our H-E-B Terrace as a silent, unattended reminder of the powerful emptiness we are all experiencing.
As one of several events throughout the nation created by the Texas Live Events Coalition, this team pulled back the curtain on this hard-hit industry. Let’s use our voices to gain support for the 12 million individuals that make live events happen!
Here’s the list of creators, designers, and artists that put this ghost event together… Meritage Events (Producer), Roadway Productions (Stage), Fidelis Lighting & Sound (Lighting/Visual), Big House Sound (Audio), Townsley Designs (Decor/Props), Shag Carpet Prop Rentals & Green Dot (Decor/Table Top), BoothEasy (Photobooth), Full Spectrum Ice (Ice Sculpture), Premiere Events (Rentals), American Color Labs (Banner Printing), Nikkos Worldwide (Transportation/Vehicles), Jerry Hays Photography (Photography & Drone), BoothEasy (Photography & Detail Shots), Consone Studios (Videography).
Austin Empty Event on August 28, 2020 – Event Photography by BoothEasy LLC (BoothEasy Photo Booth Company) – http://www.bootheasy.com
Why does our team do what they do?
Throughout the fall, we’ll re-introduce you to the Long Center team you already know and love with some faces that you probably haven’t seen before. Plus, who doesn’t love a behind-the-scenes look at showbiz?
So what got our team into the events & production industry, and what’s extraordinary about presenting live events in Austin, Texas? Don’t worry — we asked, and here’s a sneak peek for you.
“I have been involved in live events since childhood. I remember my first time taking the stage at a community theatre and seeing everyone backstage move in a rhythmic pattern to prepare props, actors, and scene changes. It was mesmerizing to my young eyes and from that point forward I have always found a way to be involved in creating live events. It is incredibly fulfilling to see audiences drift from their daily life to a place that brings them joy, community, and inspiration.
Austin is filled with creatives and thoughtfully engaged audiences ready to experience the various artistic mediums available throughout the city. I feel incredibly fortunate to help create those experiences at one of the many venues that call Austin home.“
— Sarah, Senior Manager of Event Services
“I’ve always had interest in live entertainment. Growing up my options were gospel choirs and school plays — which only made me want more. As an adult, I have had the opportunity to experience a wide range of live arts events that have given me a true appreciation for “live entertainment.”
Austin has been known as a place that people of different backgrounds, but similar interests could gather to enjoy the talents of others. This, plus the variety of live arts events offered, makes Austin extraordinary.“
— Debra, House Manager
Stay tuned…we’re working on some cool & safe things for the fall-ish months!
