The West Nipissing Arts Council (CANO) has suspended its activities until December 31.
“We have taken all the time necessary to assess the situation from all possible angles and have come to the conclusion that in the current context and for the purposes of responsible management, it is wiser to temporarily suspend our activities while the health situation is stabilizing,” said CANO president Marc Lavigne.
CANO’s Spring shows were initially re-scheduled for September and October at the beginning of the pandemic, but after the organization’s recent annual general meeting, the shows were cancelled and refunded.
Lavigne says that it is not economically responsible to hold a show which normally sees over 300 people to a crowd of less than 100.
The Sturgeon Falls Recreation Complex, which usually houses the organization’s live shows, is currently being used for COVID-19 testing.
“That’s obviously a priority,” said Lavigne. “So as of now we are suspending everything. We will meet again sometime in the fall and re-connect and discuss our future options. We are not keen on hosting virtual shows, but if that’s the way it’s going to be for the next few years we might invest in that technology. At this moment, we don’t have the money, experience, wisdom, or technology to host virtual shows. We hope to find everyone back in 2021 for a good time and more live shows!” finished Lavigne.