BLUEFIELD, W. Va. -The Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation (BARC), which manages the Granada Theater, Paine Gallery, and more, now has a new executive director, replacing the previous executive director, Brian Tracey.
Lee Rainboth is now filling the role. He says his experience in multidisciplinary arts, including painting and working with a dance company in Indiana, brought him to this new position.
He doesn’t plan on making many changes initially, but he does hope to bring more exhibits and artists to the Paine Gallery and more live performances to the Granada Theatre, citing the building’s “deep history” with the performing arts. He hopes this will give locals easier access to shows that they might normally have to travel far to see.
“I hope to bring just lots of different opportunities for the people of this community to experience the arts in different ways in their life beyond just enjoying it as a form of entertainment, but really understanding how it can integrate into this community on multiple levels, across all disciplines, whether that’s the theater, performing arts, visual arts, whatever it may be. I just hope to provide opportunities for people to experience the arts in their lives,” says Rainboth.
Rainboth says former BARC executive director Brian Tracey will still be involved in upcoming projects as both a consultant and member of the board. He encourages you to follow the Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation on social media to keep up to date on what they have planned.
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