Penrod Society Cancels Fair, Fundraisers
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indianapolis-based Penrod Society has joined a growing list of organizations to cancel events due to the uncertainty of COVID-19. The nonprofit says the 54th Annual Penrod Arts Fair and the 8th Annual Evening with Penrod have been called off.
The annual fair is the organization’s largest fundraiser and allows it to showcase artists from all over the U.S.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our all-volunteer planning team who has worked diligently throughout the year to plan the Arts Fair and Evening with Penrod with safety at the forefront,” said 2020 Penrod Fair Chair Ryan Evans. “It is disappointing that we won’t be able to share our events with our community this year, but safety for everyone that participates in these events comes before all.”
Penrod has this year awarded more than $200,000 to a variety of arts-related groups. The money was raised from events held in 2019.
During its 54-year history, the nonprofit has distributed more than $5 million to arts-related groups.
The Penrod Society says artists, musicians and arts-related non-profits of Indiana have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic and related impacts. The artists often rely on mass gatherings of people to show and promote their work that educates and entertains.
But organizers say it is not appropriate to hold the events, which include convening large crowds, transported by shuttles, putting patrons, volunteers, and artists at risk.
“While these circumstances are truly disappointing for us, we are searching for opportunities to creatively support our artists and our non-profit partners,” said 2020 Penrod Society President Tim Haley. “For example, we teamed up with Indiana Jazz Foundation and will be broadcasting virtual concerts in the coming weeks. I hope that’s just scratching the surface of what the Penrod Society can do for Indiana artists this year.”
The organization has also created the Indy Musicians Relief Fund. Click here to learn about the programs.