A scene from last year’s Artsfest
From music to theater, the arts world increasingly is opting for online performances and exhibits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harrisburg’s annual Artsfest is the latest arts-related event to choose that path.
On Monday, the city announced that it would not hold its annual, three-day arts celebration in Riverfront Park. Instead, Artsfest will be held “virtually.”
“Our top priority is the heath and safety of our residents, visitors and vendors,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials.”
The city had few additional details to share on Monday about its plan for the virtual event, but said that more information would be forthcoming. Those interested should follow the Facebook event and harrisburgpa.gov/Artsfest.
For many years, the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council and then another arts group, Jump Street, organized the annual juried exhibit and sale along the city riverfront. Last year, after Jump Street disbanded, the city decided to take the event in-house.
Papenfuse today asserted that that “virtual” Artsfest is expected only for this year, to prevent mass gatherings during the pandemic. The city intends to bring back the event to the park over the Memorial Day weekend in 2021.
Harrisburg’s other major summer waterfront celebration, Kipona, is still scheduled for the Labor Day weekend and will feature an enhanced artist’s market, according to the city.
