December 28, 2020 | Theatre,

ArtsEmerson 2020 – What a Year!

2020 has been quite a year for all of us. As we reflect on the past year we want to thank you for your incredible support of ArtsEmerson and our artists this season.

We were fortunate to receive both national and local funding that enabled us to continue supporting international artists in the creation of new works. Currently, we are nurturing a thrilling bounty of new forms, new stories, and experiments in new platforms being developed by artists all over the planet.

We will have more programming to announce and present in the new year, and we couldn’t have made it without you. We were able to reach viewers across the globe in our new virtual environment and bring renowned artists and programming into your home. Thank you for watching and staying with us.

As we reflect on the past year, here are a few ArtsEmerson highlights from 2020 to celebrate:

·In February, ArtsEmerson presented a successful world premiere of Detroit Red written by Will Power, the story of Malcolm X’s under-examined, life-shaping experiences as a young man who called Boston home.  

·Our streamed broadcast of MALA made WBUR’s top 12 virtual offerings of the year. It was also the first ever ArtsEmerson production to air in full on television thanks to WGBH’s broadcast!

·On May 22nd, ArtsEmerson kicked off Parable Path Boston and hosted a livestream presentation of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower. Nearly 4500 people from all of the world joined us to listen to the powerful music of Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon. 

·Partnered with BAAFF for the 12th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival, which virtually presented over 50 short films, feature films, documentaries, and panels.

·We held multiple, live “Town Halls with the Davids” throughout 2020, including this recent conversation with Claudia Rankine.

·Presented Somi’s brand new in the absence of things film. Check out a glowing review here.

·Presented Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia virtual festival. Read Sampan’s coverage of the festival here.

Thank you for everything. We can’t wait to do more in 2021! To learn more about ArtsEmerson programs or to make a year-end donation please visit us here.

P.S. Under the 2020 CARES Act, you may be able to deduct charitable cash donations, up to $300, made by December 31, 2020. Please consult with your own tax professional for advice.