If you want to understand the importance of art in Reno, look no further than Artown. This month-long, city-wide celebration of art and culture has brought Reno together each July for the past 23 years.
This year’s festival will feature more than 500 events during the 31 days of July, including performers propelling off of City Hall, an immersive theater experience paired with local cuisine, world-class musicians, free concerts in the park and much, much more.
To get an idea of what Artown has planned for this year, Dickson Realty sat down for a chat with Executive Director Beth Macmillan about how this event amplifies art in Reno.
Dickson Realty: It must be hard to pick favorites, but are there any performances or artists that people just can’t miss?
Beth: There are several performances and events that I think people shouldn’t miss, but with more than 500 events during July, it’s really hard to speak to every taste and preference. I think that people should not miss looking at our website, renoisartown.com, and seeing all the different events. It’s really important that people figure out how to navigate around Artown so that they get to see what they want. You can go to our website, and you can put little hearts of all the things you like, and then it’ll make a calendar for you and so that you can keep track of your own Artown.
Dickson Realty: That sounds like a great tool! But, if you just had to pick a few events, what are the ones people should absolutely plan on attending?
Beth: I would say don’t miss BANDALOOP propelling off 16 floors of Reno City Hall in downtown Reno on opening night at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on July 1. That same night, Los Lobos will also be the opening night headliner at 7:30 p.m. in Wingfield Park, so that’s huge.
Dickson Realty: What other new events are you bringing to Artown this year?
Beth: We’re doing an immersive theater performance called “At The Illusionist’s Table.” It’s taking place in the basement of Liberty Food & Wine Exchange from July 6–11. This intimate theatrical experience is only scheduled for eight performances with 24 guests at each gathering. This is an experience that you can have in New York or Edinburgh or other major markets, and we’re bringing it to our community this year.
Dickson Realty: After 23 years, what do you think Artown’s impact has been on art in Reno and the community as a whole?
Beth: I think it’s really increased our knowledge base of arts and culture. As Artown has grown, the community’s knowledge of art in Reno has also grown tremendously. We’re providing the same artistry that you would see at the outdoor stage at Lincoln Center or Central Park or San Francisco or Los Angeles, and we’re offering 70% of those events for free. Artown has made Reno feel like you can get culture where you are. You don’t have to leave to go and get a culture fix in a big city. You can find that same level of art in Reno.
Dickson Realty: Does Artown’s influence continue to impact art in Reno after July?
Beth: Absolutely. If you come and see a performance by a local dance company or a musical group, you may be compelled to go and frequent their shows or be a patron of theirs for the other 11 months of the year. We had a board president once who called us the sampler of the art in Reno. You can have a taste of what everything is, and then go and experience it throughout the year.
Dickson Realty: So, if you’re someone who’s recently moved to Reno or you’re thinking about moving to Reno, Artown sounds like a great primer on what art in Reno is all about.
Beth: I have heard people’s personal stores of moving to Reno because of Artown because this is where they want to be. People don’t take vacation during July. When you think about it, Artown is one 12th of the year. That’s a pretty big percentage of time when this community is filled with arts and culture.
To plan your Artown experience and learn all about the more than 500 events planned for July, visit renoisartown.com.
