Although 2020 was certainly challenging with the pandemic and derecho that damaged its buildings and grounds, Brucemore continued its programming and is ready for the future thanks to its resilient staff and community support. “We’re grateful for the PPP grant through CRBT, and for the support of donors, sponsors, agencies, trustees, and volunteers who invested […]
Although 2020 was certainly challenging with the pandemic and derecho that damaged its buildings and grounds, Brucemore continued its programming and is ready for the future thanks to its resilient staff and community support.
“We’re grateful for the PPP grant through CRBT, and for the support of donors, sponsors, agencies, trustees, and volunteers who invested in our work,” said executive director David Janssen. “A great deal of credit goes to my colleagues too. It’s hard to explain the physical and emotional toll on our staff of first losing our audiences to a pandemic, but then losing 450 trees and suffering $2.5 million in damage to our historic buildings and grounds. This staff has always punched above its weight, and we took multiple body blows last year. But they kept moving forward, which allowed us to successfully reposition the organization (two or three times) in the last 18 months.”
Even amidst all the damage caused by the Aug. 10 derecho, Brucemore was able to put on small, safe concerts in the courtyard just two weeks later, which “made a statement and generated momentum,” Mr. Janssen said.
Now, in its 40th year as an organization, Brucemore is ready to host live audiences again.
“We’re excited about new partnerships with TCR, and happy to have Brucemorchestra back on the schedule,” he added. “I’m especially excited about the Artisan Studio Series, where our artisan in residence develops local artists in a recording studio on site and showcases them in ‘back yard’ concerts in the servant’s duplex yard.”
1st Runner Up: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
2nd Runner Up: NewBo City Market
