NH Business Review
After initial launch sputters, Shuttered Venues Operating Grants applications begin again
April 26, 2021
Ginnie Lupi, director of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, said Covid assistance funding is needed by performance and other venues across the state.
The initial stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Chris Sununu in March 2020 required The Music Hall in Portsmouth to shutter completely. The 142-year-old theatre in downtown Portsmouth hosts concerts and performances, literary events and other entertainment. But due to the pandemic, the gathering people in large or even smaller crowds was impossible.
In 2020, The Music Hall lost about 90% of its earned revenue, said Monte Bohanan, director of communications and community engagement.
In its final meeting, the state's reopening task force voted on a "best practices" document that businesses can follow once the governor's Safer at Home order expires next month.
Capitol Center for Arts director to step down
Nicki Clarke, executive director of the Capitol Center for the Arts, organizes volunteers in 2017. Monitor file
Nicki Clarke John W Hession Courtesy
Published: 4/9/2021 5:01:38 PM
Nicolette Clarke will step down from her role as executive director of the Capitol Center for the Arts this summer after a 14-year run that included creating the Bank of New Hampshire stage and increasing the number of shows six-fold.
Ron Reed, chair of the CCA board of directors, said Friday that Clarke will retire at the end of the fiscal year on July 31.
“My retirement at the end of this fiscal year allows the CCA to build forward into a new fall season in dynamic and creative ways,” Clarke said in a prepared statement.