Gabriola Island’s 10th annual Isle of the Arts festival has been postponed indefinitely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This weekend the Gabriola Arts Council announced that the event, which was to take place from April 1 to 12 and feature artist workshops, performances and discussions, will instead occur at a yet-to-be-determined future date.
“At this time when social distancing has been shown to be a truly effective means of minimizing the spread of the virus, we believe the best course of action is to postpone our awesome little festival until the future time when this concern has passed and all our community members – including our most vulnerable citizens and our superhero doctors, nurses, and other first responders – are free to join us in celebration of community and art,” noted a press release.
The GAC has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation, the release said, and followed the recommendations of experts, consulted with the Gabriola Medical Clinic and artists and “searched our hearts” before deciding not to proceed with Isle of the Arts. In a hopeful note, the release added that the GAC is considering “creative ways of using virtual means to connect around art.”
The GAC will be providing updates on Isle of the Arts through its website, Facebook page and e-newsletter.
arts@nanaimobulletin.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
