The pandemic forced many organizations to start adopting online tools and platforms to continue functioning, but few groups have pioneered such a wealth of quality programming in such a short amount of time as proficient as Fresh Arts. Immediately responding to news that Houston would be following work from home guidelines, on March 17, Fresh Arts launched the first of what has become many virtual program offerings aimed at amplifying efforts by and supporting members of the creative community. The ongoing interviews, workshops and conversations provide connectivity, skill-building, promotion and resiliency to local artists and arts organizations.

“Since going online in March, we have reached nearly 30,000 users from all parts of the world,” said Marci Dallas, Executive Director of Fresh Arts. “We are reaching twice as many artists and arts lead organizations as we were offline and ultimately our mission has always been to help advance the careers of local artists and creative entrepreneurs. We’re able to do that even more effectively now by meeting them where they are.”

Every Tuesday on Instagram TV, the newly launched Arts on Tap LIVE features artist interviews and behind the scenes scoops on local art happenings, complementing the eponymous weekly newsletter. On the first and third Tuesday on Facebook Live, participants can join the Resource Round-up with Reyes to hear from special guests and learn more about available resources and upcoming opportunities. A recently launched conversation series on Thursdays brings Facebook Live viewers into a conversation with local artists to learn more about how those artists are adapting and staying resilient in this challenging time. Beginning in August, Fresh Arts will launch a monthly podcast discussion on career development.

This robust line-up of program offerings complements the annual Fresh Arts Summit taking place on August 7 and 8, and Artist INC scheduled for October 7 through December 2. The Fresh Arts Summit, originally slated for June, will be entirely virtual and will convene subject matter experts and creatives with a career-building curriculum. Artists INC was also postponed but Fresh Arts plans to convene weekly sessions in person and online for pre-selected participants.

This shift in programming and support has already made a difference for local artists.

“As a local artist in Houston, when the COVID-19 impact started to have effects on the arts community, we all started to immediately rack our brains for ideas to shift more virtually,” said Edgar Medina. “I had some primary goals in place to elevate my social and web presence in the new year and quickly decided to dial up that momentum with a virtual art show, including a live painting on Facebook and Instagram live. I also launched a program titled "Send Some Joy," allowing those to send a small original to someone of their choosing.”

Recognizing the need for guidance and resources within the local creative community as the entire economy was jarred by the pandemic, Fresh Arts has been on the frontline of adapting to the growing use of virtual tools.

“Fresh Arts has always been a great organization and ally to the local arts community of Houston,” says Medina. “It was great to see how they quickly pivoted their regular programming to bring resources to the community. I was asked to join in on one of the first social panels to share advice on creative ideas as we were all facing the challenge that came with closing the doors of our businesses. I always enjoy connecting with my fellow artists and keeping the community spirit strong. It's great that we have organizations like Fresh Arts that give us a platform and voice.”

The entire calendar of virtual programming, with the exception of Arts on Tap LIVE, which takes place weekly on Tuesdays at 1pm, can be viewed below.

Learn more about Fresh Arts by visiting www.fresharts.org/.