Update from Embracing Arlington Arts
Dear Arts Patrons, Aficionados and Supporters,
Since the inception of Embracing Arlington Arts in February, we have been very busy on several fronts in support of our mission: to inform others about the importance and diversity of the arts, artists and arts organizations in our community; celebrate the critical contributions the arts make to all sectors of our County; and spread the word about the extremely diverse performance and cultural events held in Arlington. As a valuable member of our group, we wanted to update you on all the happenings – past and future.
Oct. 5 Celebration of the Arts in Arlington:
As previously announced, we are hosting and organizing the 1st Annual Celebration of the Arts in Arlington on October 5, 2017 at 4301 Wilson Blvd. (NRECA). Registration for the event will begin next week and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Arlington Independent Media (AIM) which houses the County’s only radio station WERA (96.7FM). In turn, AIM and WERA will help publicize art events and performances being held throughout the year.
Already we have obtained several sponsors for the event, and we want to give them a shout out. Thanks so much to the following companies who have agreed to financially support us: Schupp Companies, Dante, Inc. (which manages the Ouli App), the Ballston BID, and the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (which owns Rustico and Buzz Bakery). We also have several restaurants already committed (with more to come) to providing some of their delicious specialty foods: Sushi-Zen, Alexandria Restaurant Partners (which owns Palette 22), and Bistro 360. Beverages are being graciously provided by Barefoot Winery and New District Brewing Company.
Also, we are excited to announce that we have obtained as our Honorary Master of Ceremonies – the Arlington “Rap” Guy and character actor in the Netflix series “Brown Nation” Remy Munasifi (http://www.goremy.com/). His videos have garnered over 90 million views and they keep climbing each day. One of his first featured the many, many different sights and characteristics of Arlington. Check it out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1RMuoQnKo).
Other distinguished Guests expected to attend: Don Beyer, Congressman, 8th District of Virginia; Alfonso Lopez, Virginia House of Delegates, 49th District; Jay Fisette, Chair, Arlington County Board; and Katie Cristol, Vice Chair, Arlington County Board.
Media Outreach:
We have started outreach to the media and news outlets to spread the word about our new citizens group. Already I was a featured guest on Andrew Schneider’s Arlington Voices radio show on WERA 96.7 FM. Also our Press Releases were featured in two ArlNow stories: one about the new economic impact numbers on the arts in Arlington; and the second on the establishment of Embracing Arlington Arts (https://www.arlnow.com/?s=Embracing+Arlington+Arts). We also expect a story to appear soon in Inside NoVa and to be a guest on the radio show Arlington in the Morning. Then stay tuned in the late summer when we launch our own weekly radio show Embracing Arlington Arts that will highlight a different art group, artist or other developments in the arts world each week.
Meet-and-Greet:
Last month we hosted a Meet-and-Greet between Arlington Hotel Concierges/Hospitality staff and representatives from our Arlington Arts organizations so that they could be aware of the many events, performances and festivals being conducted here in Arlington throughout the year. We had a great turnout and want to thank our co-hosts for this event: Encore Stage and Studio and the Arlington Arts Center.
Keep Spreading the Word:
Already we have several hundred arts patrons and supporters following us on Facebook and on our mailing list. Our goal though is to reach thousands so please keep spreading the word. Forward this email to your friends, colleagues and peers who love the arts. Ask them to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter, #EmbracingArlingtonArts; and join the EAA mailing list (https://goo.gl/forms/NJ0adiD0StmIBfbc2).
Happy Fourth of July to everyone!
Janet Kopenhaver, Chair, Embracing Arlington Arts
Embracing Arlington Arts 