AUG/SEPT 2021 | 56 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA D uring the pandemic, Arizona Opera focused on digital technology to serve opera fans and reach new audiences. “I love how our team rallied to find these new expressions of how opera could connect with people when our traditional approach to performances wasn’t possible,” said Joseph Specter, Arizona Opera’s president and general director. With the 2021/2022 season marking Arizona Opera’s 50 th anniversary, each of its programs has been carefully curated. But the release of “The Copper Queen” signals how deeply the organization embraced a digital transformation. The opera, which is Arizona Opera’s second world-premiere commission, was initially slated to open the 2020/21 season but was adapted to film in response to the pandemic. Named for the hotel of the same name in Bisbee, the film — which was led by Arizona Opera’s first all- female director/conductor/designer creative team — will be released on Arizona Opera’s Vimeo channel (ondemand.azopera.org) this October. The opera tells the story of Julia Lowell, once an imprisoned sex worker whose ghost now reportedly haunts the hotel’s Room 315. “In addition to being a remarkable expression of Arizona-based storytelling through opera, the project also represents Arizona Opera’s resilience in adapting through the pandemic to not only make the project happen in spite of the hurdles, but to find a way to use the crisis to bring ‘The Copper Queen’ to potentially even greater numbers of viewers than possible in a conventional on-stage production,” Specter said. Reaching new audiences is key to Arizona Opera’s mission, whether through its K-12 education, community engagement programs or training opportunities for singers, pianists, directors and production personnel. “In every way that an opera company can invest its resources in contributing to the value of its community, Arizona Opera strives to do that,” Specter said. But the pandemic taught the company that its contributions to addressing community needs can come a bit quicker than they may have traditionally. “We have learned that we can indeed react quickly when needed, build programs more quickly than we have in the past, and still deliver significant civic value in the process,” Specter said. ARIZONA OPERA Joseph Specter, president and general director of Arizona Opera

FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 57 | AUG/SEPT 2021 X ico has had a presence in the Valley for more than 45 years, since its founding in the 70s as a platform for Chicano and Indigenous artists during the Chicano art movement. “Our activities encourage LatinX and Indigenous artists to share their inspiration, stories and heritage, which facilitates a greater understanding of cultural value, identity and significance within the community,” said Donna Valdes, Xico’s executive director. The pandemic was hard on the organization, especially when coupled with the racial and cultural tensions the country experienced over the past year. “It pushed Xico to adopt new strategies to provide opportunities to showcase the arts and their importance and value in our community,” Valdes said. Xico increased its social media presence and adapted workshops for a stuck-at-home crowd by releasing DIY activities on YouTube. It also created a virtual exhibition space that showcases new exhibitions monthly and highlights artists’ studios with virtual tours. In a time of social distance, Xico created safe ways to interact with art, such as walk-by exhibitions that could be viewed safely through their window. Xico also worked with Indige Design Collab and Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation to launch the Uncontained XICO ARTE Y CULTURA Mural Project, which garnered national attention. This walk-by/drive-by rotating mural project elevates emerging LatinX and Indigenous artists by showcasing their stories on a shipping container in the Roosevelt Row Arts District, not far from Xico’s new home on First Avenue. Xico moved in last December, and by May was able to open its doors for a three-day grand-opening celebration to accompany its annual art auction. “We exhibited artwork produced by 25 local artists, held printmaking demonstrations and interactive activities to showcase our programs and new space,” Valdes said. Opening soon is Xico’s expanded printmaking studio, which will let artists incorporate modern practices with traditional techniques. “Xico will be the first ‘public’ lithography studio in Phoenix, creating access for artists to practice this significant art form,” Valdes said. This fall, Xico will also open the Artisan Mercado, a pop-up market that will showcase rotating artisans. “As a community, we need to support our local artists. By doing so, we are strengthening our local economy, improving our community and creating an environment for creatives to flourish,” Valdes said. Donna Valdes, executive director of Xico