While remainder of Duke Performances’ spring season is cancelled as part of the university’s response to the coronavirus crisis, the arts presenter is pivoting and launching a livestream series on Wed, April 8, at 7pm EST
“We’re proud to share that we’re partnering with Duke Arts and WXDU on a livestream series to take place on Facebook Live and Instagram Live via Duke Performances,” the April 2 announcement read. “In the weeks ahead, we’ll feature exceptional artists that are a part of the Duke Performances family.”
In his March 27 message, Vice Provost for the Arts Scott Lindroth said: “As we practice social distancing, we have to remember the community of artists who depend on social interactions for their livelihoods.”
Duke University is a lead supporter of the Durham Arts Council’s Arts Recovery Fund. All participating artists in the Duke Performances’ livestream artists will be paid. Viewers who tune in via Facebook and Instagram Live will be encouraged to give to the DAC fund or the NorthStar Church’s of the Arts’ Durham Artist Relief Fund, which has raised nearly $45,000 to date. “We are grateful for the opportunity to give our platform to artists as we rally to support those most deeply impacted in our communities,” shared the Duke Performances staff.
On April 2, Duke University announced three new COVID-19 philanthropic initiatives with $9 million in seed funding from the university, including a Duke-Durham Fund to provide assistance to area non-profits, small businesses, and community-based organizations.
The Duke Performances livestream series launches on April 8 with guitarist and composter William Tyler. William is a part of the Merge Records family, and Duke Performances commissioned William’s Corduroy Roads in 2014.
