In-Person Programming Innovation Showcase

As restrictions continue to shape what is possible in the arts during this time of pandemic, arts organizations have found creative ways to bring their work physically to their audiences. The Advisory Board for the Arts has gathered some innovative examples of how in-person shows and exhibitions are being developed across the world.

If you’re looking for guidelines on opening safely, check out our Reopening Guidelines Resource List for more.

Seen a great example of audience engagement? Let us know and we can post it here.

In-Person Events Example Library

In this section, you’ll find examples of different types of in-person initiatives developed by arts organizations during this COVID-19 closure and reopening. Download a linked PDF version here.

Repurposing Existing Spaces

Arena di VeronaThis summer, the Arena di Verona in Italy held a “Stars of Opera” concert at the famed outdoor colosseum. By lowering capacity to 25%, they were able to ensure safe distances between attendees. — **Arena di Verona**
This summer, the Arena di Verona in Italy held a “Stars of Opera” concert at the famed outdoor colosseum. By lowering capacity to 25%, they were able to ensure safe distances between attendees.

Midland Center for the ArtsIn Michigan, the Midland Center has focused its programming on its existing, smaller-scale events to allow for safe gatherings. The Happy Hour series of music and comedy shows are hosted outdoors or small, distanced indoor… — **Midland Center for the Arts**
In Michigan, the Midland Center has focused its programming on its existing, smaller-scale events to allow for safe gatherings. The Happy Hour series of music and comedy shows are hosted outdoors or small, distanced indoor lounges.

American Shakespeare CenterThis Virginia-based theater has opened its SafeStart 2020 season. Audiences have 2 ways to watch each performance: in-person in the limited-capacity venue or live-streamed digitally, providing options for all to enjoy. — **American Shakespeare Center**
This Virginia-based theater has opened its SafeStart 2020 season. Audiences have 2 ways to watch each performance: in-person in the limited-capacity venue or live-streamed digitally, providing options for all to enjoy.

Dallas Symphony OrchestraThe DSO has created NEXT STAGE, an updated concert series for our current times being held in their Meyerson Symphony Center with 50-75 guests. Performances are 30 minutes long to reduce exposure. — **Dallas Symphony Orchestra**
The DSO has created NEXT STAGE, an updated concert series for our current times being held in their Meyerson Symphony Center with 50-75 guests. Performances are 30 minutes long to reduce exposure.

Jacksonville SymphonyIn Florida, the Jacksonville Symphony has put out a robust set of safety protocols to be able to host their 2020 performances, including the use of plexiglass barriers between attendees. — **Jacksonville Symphony**
In Florida, the Jacksonville Symphony has put out a robust set of safety protocols to be able to host their 2020 performances, including the use of plexiglass barriers between attendees.

Finding Alternative Spaces

Lyric Opera of Kansas CityIn this summer’s Soundscapes in the City initiative, the opera brought its music around Kansas City by using parks, museums, and even parking lots as new performance venues. — **Lyric Opera of Kansas City**
In this summer’s Soundscapes in the City initiative, the opera brought its music around Kansas City by using parks, museums, and even parking lots as new performance venues.

Teatro Franco ParentiThis theater in Milan took advantage of its outdoor pool to put on a series of concerts and dramatic readings, with audience members sitting on cushions around the water for an atmospheric evening. — **Teatro Franco Parenti**
This theater in Milan took advantage of its outdoor pool to put on a series of concerts and dramatic readings, with audience members sitting on cushions around the water for an atmospheric evening.

Arts CommonsThe Canadian performing arts center surprised the citizens of Calgary all summer with Arts Xpedition, a series of pop-up musical performances in public places - kept a secret until just before the show! — **Arts Commons**
The Canadian performing arts center surprised the citizens of Calgary all summer with Arts Xpedition, a series of pop-up musical performances in public places - kept a secret until just before the show!

Austin OperaInstead of a live performance, the Austin Opera is taking advantage of their local drive-in movie theater to screen filmed versions of their past productions in their Blue Starlite Series. — **Austin Opera**
Instead of a live performance, the Austin Opera is taking advantage of their local drive-in movie theater to screen filmed versions of their past productions in their Blue Starlite Series.

Space Coast Symphony OrchestraThe Space Coast Symphony Orchestra held a series of “drive-up” outdoor concerts this summer in the parking lot of The Avenue, a shopping mall in Melbourne, FL. — **Space Coast Symphony Orchestra**
The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra held a series of “drive-up” outdoor concerts this summer in the parking lot of The Avenue, a shopping mall in Melbourne, FL.

New Vehicles for Live

River Oaks Chamber OrchestraThe Houston-based orchestra is collaborating with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership to add QR codes around the park. Each code leads to a symphony recording, allowing visitors to enjoy a physical listening experience on their… — **River Oaks Chamber Orchestra**
The Houston-based orchestra is collaborating with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership to add QR codes around the park. Each code leads to a symphony recording, allowing visitors to enjoy a physical listening experience on their own time!

Kansas City Repertory Theatre & Nelson-Atkins Museum of ArtThe repertory theatre and art museum partnered with local musicians this October to present Ghost Light, a hybrid concert and ghost-story event for kids and families at the Donald J. Hal… — **Kansas City Repertory Theatre & Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art**
The repertory theatre and art museum partnered with local musicians this October to present Ghost Light, a hybrid concert and ghost-story event for kids and families at the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.

Immersive van Gogh ExhibitAdding a drive-in option to the walk-thru experience, GOGH By Car! gives patrons the opportunity to experience the Toronto-based exhibit from the comfort of their cars. Giant projections surround visitors, immersing them in… — **Immersive van Gogh Exhibit**
Adding a drive-in option to the walk-thru experience, GOGH By Car! gives patrons the opportunity to experience the Toronto-based exhibit from the comfort of their cars. Giant projections surround visitors, immersing them in Vincent van Gogh’s oeuvre.

New York PhilharmonicTaking advantage of their backyard of Central Park, the NY Phil created an app that synchronized a musical experience to the listener’s walk, with no two paths the same. — **New York Philharmonic**
Taking advantage of their backyard of Central Park, the NY Phil created an app that synchronized a musical experience to the listener’s walk, with no two paths the same.

Kansas City SymphonyThis summer, the Symphony brought their music around the city for their Mobile Music Box series. These free concerts were performed out of a special truck that doubled as a stage for a fun, mobile experience. — **Kansas City Symphony**
This summer, the Symphony brought their music around the city for their Mobile Music Box series. These free concerts were performed out of a special truck that doubled as a stage for a fun, mobile experience.