This article is part two of a two-part story. Part one focuses on the ticketed performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. You can read it here.
Historically, performing arts has had a reputation for out-pricing the cost-conscious. But here in the City of the Arts, a new cultural hub is inviting everyone from ‘hoity toity’ to ‘hoi polloi’ in on the act.
Thanks to a generous donation from the family for whom the hub is named, Costa Mesa’s Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts exists to marry free events with locals (like you!)
At the forefront of this plaza-performance push is SCFTA’s VP of Community Engagement, Jason Holland – an affable and intelligent overseer with clear aspirations of “art for all.”
Free Reign: SCFTA’s VP of Community Engagement, Jason Holland, at Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa.
Photo: Brandy Young
So, of course, we had to ask: What does a VP of Community Engagement do?
“I get that question a lot,” began Holland with a laugh. “For me, ‘community engagement’ has to do with connection. It’s about making connections with people and communities. The arts are probably one of the best tools for connecting people – for exploring shared traditions and learning new ones.
“When you use the arts as a way to learn about other people – where they come from, how they celebrate, what their culture looks and sounds like – it demystifies ‘the other’ and we are able to see things from a new perspective. The arts create safe spaces for us to have shared, human experiences.”
Stewarding the stage at the Argyros Plaza is one of the ways Holland, and team, cultivates connections.
“We opened the plaza in October of 2017,” said Holland. “From the beginning, we’ve tried to create a robust array of activity out there. Events ranging from small-scale to large-scale, from cultural traditions to giving back. We do everything from free movie nights, to free concerts, to free dance classes, the list goes on.”
Click the homepage Jacaranda at SCFTA.org for a full list of Argyros Plaza’s free events.
Have a good idea for that list? Holland wants to hear it.
“We are very much interested is hearing from the community on what we should offer. We try to find as many ways as possible to get that input. We have a community advisory committee that helps inform and inspire some of our choices. At the end of the day, we want the Argyros Plaza to be ‘by the community, for the community.'”
Suggestions can be sent to community@scfta.org.
“I’d love to know if we are missing something, if we should add something,” said Holland. “We’d love to hear from people in Costa Mesa.”
If something is missing from the Argyros Plaza free events schedule, we can’t think of what it might be. Offerings run the gamut and span the globe. A quick perusal of the calendar is as likely to unearth a talent competition as it is a celebration of Mexican Independence. National Dance Day? Check! Or sample your first taste of ‘Jazzipino.’
It’s all free – so why not go crazy and try some of everything!
Boyz And The Beez, MC’d by Bubba Jackson, just one of many free acts on Argyros Plaza, Costa Mesa.
Photos: Brandy Young
So which free event has been Holland’s favorite?
“Oh my gosh, that’s like a ‘Sophie’s Choice’ question,” said Holland. “Ok, if I had to choose I would say I really like the ‘silent disco.’ We have three DJs going and everyone wears headsets with channel changers. You can choose which DJ you listen to, depending on who’s vibe you’re feeling. It’s great on two levels. One, it’s a genuinely fun thing to do. Two, as an observer, it’s so entertaining! You see all these people with headphones on, moving to different beats and singing different songs, and you can’t hear any of what they are experiencing. It’s really a blast. I love that one.”
On the day of our visit, Free Jazz Friday was lighting up Argyros Plaza – while Phantom of the Opera theater-goers filed past to Segerstrom Hall. Some people danced. Some people dined. Some strolled by in finery. Some parked in beach chairs and took in the view.
The campus was full of a “go your own way” vibe that felt very freeing and, dare we say, democratic.
Dinner, Dancing, Sit and Enjoy: How You Enjoy The Events on Argyros Plaza is Up to You.
Photos: Brandy Young
“I feel so blessed to work at a place like this, to see the amount of world-class performances I’ve seen over the years,” said Holland. “It has added immeasurably to my life. It’s important to acknowledge there’s a lot of privilege there. That’s part of what drives me to create opportunities for more people to have access to the arts, more often.
“The best way I can pay that forward is to extend the performing arts experience of Segerstrom Center out onto the Plaza. To create a creative space, communal experiences, a home for artistic expression – and, of course, to make it free.”
And on the nights when everything is clicking, the plaza is full, and magic is in the air… what is that experience like for Holland and his team?
“First, I feel relieved,” said Holland with a laugh. “When everything is working, you’re doing your job. But also, I feel proud, very proud. And joy. There certainly is a lot of joy when you watch those connections happen.
“I also particularly love when we have an event happening on the Plaza, but there’s also audiences going to shows at our venues. It’s this fascinating ‘worlds collide’ feeling. Like, the last time we had a silent disco, there was a performance at the Concert Hall. I looked up at intermission and there were all these faces lining the windows, looking down with fascination at people dancing to their own music on the Plaza.
“It’s just layers upon layers of art and audiences happening here at Segerstrom Center.”
Photo: Brandy Young
Costa Mesa has grown up a lot in the fifteen years since Holland first started at SCFTA.
“This building we’re sitting in, right now – the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall – was just a white outline on the ground, back then,” said Holland.
Not only has the Segerstrom campus expanded, but – thanks to large, multi-family complexes now peppering the area – they’ve acquired lots of new neighbors, too.
“When I started, it really felt like everything closed up after business hours,” said Holland. “I mean, we had audiences come in the evening for shows, so that reenergized the space a bit – but the rest of the neighborhood shut down.
“But now, because of all the new homes, we have neighbors,” he continued. “We see the same people jogging with their dog every day. We see parents pushing their kids in a stroller. There’s someone who comes and sits in our community grove, every morning, to smoke a cigar and read the newspaper. There are fixtures and characters that are part of our campus lifestyle, now. We love feeling like a hub of activity throughout the day.”
Sounds like a dream come true for a man committed to furthering community engagement.
As for the rest of the city?
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Costa Mesa,” said Holland, who agrees the city is going through something of a modern-day renaissance. “I’m on the Board at the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and every week we are hearing about some interesting, new business – or some cool, new restaurant – popping up in town. The ‘capital of cool’ title is getting kicked around more and more.
“Costa Mesa is just exploding with development, action sports, restaurants, the arts… that’s a lot of Costa Mesa stories for you to share.” ♥
