Performing-arts venues took a beating during the global health pandemic and The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts was no exception.
It was forced to close its doors from March 2020, through Sept. 11, 2021.
David Fay, The Bushnell’s CEO since 2001, led the charge in urging state and federal policymakers to provide government aid to the industry. Congress, in fact, a little more than a year ago allocated $15 billion in grants to support theaters and other venues nationwide. Fay had given testimony to a U.S. Senate committee on the topic.
The Bushnell — arguably one of the state’s top arts-and-culture destinations — received a record $2.2 million in individual donations in fiscal year 2020. Fay told the Hartford Business Journal he anticipated a 25% hit in fiscal 2021, but the theater wound up raising another $2.2 million, a testament to the significant role the theater plays in Hartford’s arts scene.
A recent innovation included The Bushnell last fall unveiling 11 new outdoor digital display boards that aim to boost audience and public engagement. Fay was also one of six theater executives who formed a rare industry alliance, called The Connecticut Performing Arts Centers Coalition, that aims to promote the industry’s needs.
During the pandemic, Fay also married his longtime partner, Peggy Fay. It was a small gathering held at The Bushnell.