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with a population that not only appreciates the arts but places a very high value on the arts for themselves and their families. We are also blessed with some great artistic institutions. For students looking at colleges, it is invaluable. Even when not used by everyone, the mere presence of multiple points of entry into the creative world of imaginative artists is an important calling card for any community." It is a calling card that gath- ered dust during the Covid-19 pandemic. But the Hartford arts community has optimistically – albeit cautiously – welcomed the reopening of venues as well as the return of live events. "The arts and cultural sector in Greater Hartford is a sector still very much in recovery, with many organizations just now beginning to reopen and artists still trying to build back a full schedule of performances or exhibitions," said Kate McOmber, interim CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council. "Relief funding was a critical investment that helped the sector survive the closure period, but artists and arts organizations need continued support. It will take all of us, the Arts Council, our corporate and government part- ners, our generous donors, along with the artists and organizations all working together to get the sector back on solid ground." Hill-Stead Museum At a time when many cultural institutions were forced to close or host virtual-only offerings, Farmington's Hill-Stead Museum not only kept its 152-acre grounds and gardens open to all every day during the pandemic but also pioneered new relationships to bring live arts experiences into peoples' lives. "We transformed Hill-Stead's front veranda and lawn into an impromptu outdoor theater where 30 separate events took place, involving 12 collaborating institutions, employing 102 diverse performers and dazzling 2,500 visitors, 65 percent of which had never before visited Hill- Stead," said Anna Swinbourne, the art museum's executive director and CEO. TheaterWorks Hartford TheaterWorks Hartford, one of few performing arts organizations across the country to produce theater continuously this past season, has played a significant role in the community for more than 35 years, bringing an average of 40,000 people a year downtown. During the pandemic, the theater launched a new membership program and a vir- tual platform with a shi to online content, focused on developing new works, expanding part- nerships and accessibility, and exploring the ground between theater and film. DAVID FAY, PRESIDENT and CEO of The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, stands with Beth Costello, chair of the theater's board of trustees. SUBMITTED SHUTTERSTOCK/ MUSTAFA H 44 HBJ HARTFORD LIVE WORK PLAY