Hurricane Helene had impacted the arts at Western Carolina University with the Bardo Arts Center facing disruptions and potential damages.
Bardo parking lot was flooded during the storm but the damage is still not known. The staff aim to have the building properly assessed by the end of next week.
“We are still assessing Bardo Arts Center’s, if any, damages,” said Rachel Hood in an email, Marketing Manager at Bardo Arts Center. “Since we have limited access to our building, we will do an in-depth assessment once we return to campus.”
The financial estimate of any potential damages remains pending.
Despite the challenges caused by Hurricane Helene, the Bardo Arts Center is exploring alternative programming possibilities with the rescheduling of one of its most anticipated performances by New York City based Latinx dance company, Ballet Hispánico. The 24-person company was set to perform on Oct. 10. The performance is now set to be rescheduled for the Spring 2025 semester with the specific date still to be determined.
Ballet Hispánico’s performance was meant to rear the end of Hispanic Heritage Month at Western Carolina University with their 50 year history as a Latinx dance organization. The Fine Art Museum Reception At the Table is also rescheduled with no official dates determined at this time.
Additional events intended to be held at Bardo have been impacted with complete cancellations including The WCU’s School of Music’s The School of Music Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Concert and The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) awards ceremony.
“We are working through alternative programming possibilities now. With Hurricane Helene’s ever-changing impact on our region, we will see what we can do for the community at WCU and Western North Carolina as a whole in the future,” Hood added.
The Bardo Arts Center plans to continue their upcoming events for the 2024-2025 season.
“We do not have plans to cancel upcoming events for the 2024-2025 season, and we want to make it abundantly clear we do not take rescheduling and canceling events lightly. Over a year’s worth of planning goes into each of our events,” Hood emphasized. The safety of staff, community, visiting artists, and students remains a priority, with decisions on events being deferred to Western Carolina University’s guidance.
The Bardo Arts Center is keeping the public and event attendees updated through multiple channels. Information is shared via the center’s e-newsletter, social media (Facebook and Instagram), and website (bardo.wcu.edu).
The Bardo Arts Center expressed heartfelt support for the western North Carolina community amid the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
“Our hearts are broken seeing the devastation that has rocked western North Carolina. We love our community,” Hood said. “Seeing so many places we know, and people we love suffer is heart-wrenching. We look forward to finding ways to support the community through our programs and events.”
For more information on WCU’s Adverse Weather Policy, visit WCU Campus Emergencies.
