Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center Cancel OUR BIG NEIGHBORHOOD

Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center will cancel Our Big Neighborhood, Movin' Around the World: Spring, scheduled for April 13-19 at Seattle Center Armory. The move follows a Washington State order that prohibits public gatherings of over 50 people, coupled with the temporary cancellation of Seattle Public Schools classes.

"As disappointing as it is, canceling at this time is an effective way to help combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities and families healthy during this time," says Kelli Faryar, Executive Artistic Director of Northwest Folklife. "We will continue to create opportunities to gather as a community to play, dance, sing, and meet your neighbors - through Northwest Folklife's Our Big Neighborhood events this summer."

"The cultural arts, family activities and social gatherings will remain the cornerstone of our quality of life, creating joy, inspiration and community. Event restrictions, however, are necessary now to help us all wade through this outbreak with the least harm to our loved ones, families and region as a whole. We look forward to a return to normalcy - and to a return of Our Big Neighborhood to Seattle Center," said Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams.

Northwest Folklife is working on proactive steps to combat the spread of this virus by following public health guidelines with the intent of continuing the regularly-scheduled summer programming of Our Big Neighborhood. Ultimately, Northwest Folklife hopes that its mission and programs continue to serve as a source of community-building and youth engagement during these uncertain times.

Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center continue to assess the status of this situation on a daily basis. We will communicate any updates to our constituents.

For more information regarding Northwest Folklife's initiatives associated with combating the spread of COVID-19, please visit nwfolklife.org/covid19.