Folsom, CA — Like so many other live performance venues across the country, the COVID-19 health crisis has had a significant operational and economic impact on Folsom Lake College’s Harris Center for the Arts. Based upon guidance from federal, state, and local government officials and health experts, as well as the continued uncertainty on when indoor public events can safely resume, the Harris Center for the Arts will temporarily cease operations as of July 1, 2020. There is currently no timetable for the length of the temporary closure, but it is expected to last at least a year. The Center’s goal is to resume operations as soon as possible.

“The safety of our patrons, artists, volunteers, and staff remains our highest concern,” Harris Center Executive Director Dave Pier, Folsom Lake College President Whitney Yamamura, and Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brian King shared in a joint communication on June 10. “Our venue is smaller than others in our region and the budgetary impacts of this crisis have been severe, making it challenging to sustain operations and implement social distancing protocols in the current environment.”

Built and operated by the Los Rios Community College District on the Folsom Lake College campus, the state-of-the-art regional performing arts center opened in February 2011. Prior to the closure, the venue hosted over 400 events each year, including student performances as part of the college’s visual and performing arts instructional programs. With audiences of approximately 150,000 each year, the Center’s operations have had an approximately $94 million economic impact on the region since its launch, most visibly for local restaurants and hotels, but also the over 50 arts organizations that have made the Center their performance home.

All remaining scheduled events have been cancelled. Refunds for tickets will be issued automatically with no further action required. “These are challenging times, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of everyone in the Harris Center community as we work to address and respond to these circumstances beyond our control,” the message concluded. “We are looking forward to the day when we can see you in our audience once again.”

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ), go to the Harris Center website: www.harriscenter.net.

About Harris Center for the Arts

The Harris Center for the Arts seeks to enrich the lives of people throughout California’s capital region by providing venues and opportunities to experience artistic work, celebrate cultural traditions, and participate in the creative process. The 80,000 square foot Center features an evolving array of vibrant programs geared for people of all ages and backgrounds along with Folsom Lake College’s visual and performing arts offerings. For more information, go to www.harriscenter.net.

About Folsom Lake College

Since 2004, Folsom Lake College has provided exceptional educational opportunities to the communities of eastern Sacramento and western El Dorado counties. The college serves approximately 9,000 students at the main Folsom campus, the El Dorado Center in Placerville, and the Rancho Cordova Center. FLC is committed to enriching and empowering students by bridging knowledge, experience, and innovation. FLC offers educational opportunities and support for students to transfer to four-year institutions, to improve foundational skills, to achieve career goals, and to earn associate degrees or certificates. For more information, go to www.flc.losrios.edu.

About Los Rios

The Los Rios Community College District is one of the nation’s most respected learning institutions and the second-largest community college district in California, serving the greater Sacramento region. Los Rios includes: American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake and Sacramento City colleges; six major education and outreach centers; and specialized workforce and economic development programs, for regional businesses, governments and organizations. Los Rios colleges offer AA/AS degrees, certificates and transfer-education opportunities in more than 70 career fields. The District’s 2,400 square-mile service area includes all of Sacramento County, most of El Dorado County and parts of Yolo, Placer and Solano counties. About 77,000 students are enrolled in the four Los Rios colleges. For more information, go to www.losrios.edu.