The Community Impact Committee checked in with Goodyear Arts Co-Director/Co-Founder, Amy Herman. Amy shared the creative ways they worked through 2020 and COVID, and what they are looking forward to in the coming year.  

When COVID put an end to the art residencies and the fundraising gala in 2020, twenty six artists created a safe drive-through arts installation called Joyride that could be enjoyed from the safety of one’s own car. The installations included live music, projections, dance, and poetry readings. It was so popular that they produced a walk-through art installation later that year. Amy said that the planning process, even via Zoom, gave them and the artists a feeling of community and connection.  

Goodyear Arts has resumed its regular program of 9 artists in residence and 10 to 12 events per year. Their success in supporting local artists is clear in that for the 2022 residencies, over 200 artists applied for the 9 available spots. They had over 13,000 people attend their events last year. COVID set its fundraising back a bit so Goodyear Arts is self-funding its programs and events. Fortunately, they have received a two-year grant from the National Education Association (NEA) for $100,0000 that will cover administration and operation costs. Their Avant Goodyear program received a separate grant from the NEA to support avant-garde music.  

Please consider supporting Goodyears Arts by attending events, speaking with the artists, or renting out the facility as an event space. Upcoming events can be found at https://www.goodyeararts.com. Goodyear Arts is located at the ever-changing Camp North End, https://camp.nc, and both are worth checking out.