Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the board and staff leadership of the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival has canceled the 13th annual festival scheduled for Nov. 14. Luminaria is a non-profit arts organization that supports the San Antonio arts community by putting on the festival each year. The Board of Directors for Luminaria believes it best to protect the well-being of everyone involved with the festival by canceling the event. Eric Rodriguez, the board chair for Luminaria, spoke about the decision made.

“This was a very difficult decision for the Luminaria Board of Directors to make,” Rodriguez said. “We are saddened that the consequences of the global pandemic due to the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted our festival for 2020. However, the sad reality is that health and safety concerns will continue to exist in the community, and we expect that we will continue to experience the social anxiety associated with convening in large gatherings.”

The San Antonio arts community has been deeply affected by the pandemic, battling funding cuts, event cancellations and gallery closures. The Board of Directors has taken all the financial uncertainty that has littered the art community throughout the pandemic into consideration and have remained dedicated to making conscientious decisions based on the current situation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused closures of theaters, venues, galleries, museums and many community gatherings for the arts. Kathy Armstrong, executive director for Luminaria, shared her thoughts about the cancellation.

“I am disappointed that we won’t be able to share the magical experience of Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, yet I encourage you to continue to fill your calendar with the Arts,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong, with the knowledge that the cancellation will sadden the San Antonio arts community, promised the continuation of hard work from the Luminaria staff.

“Luminaria remains dedicated to creating throughout-provoking arts programs, while acknowledging that now it is the time for all to take care of ourselves and each other,” Armstrong said.

The Board of Directors announced that the Call for Artists will be open until April 20. The applications will be placed on hold for Luminaria in 2021, and the Board of Directors will be in touch with those who have already applied.

For more information on the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, visit their website.