Clearly, the year and months following March 2020 were difficult in ways none of us may have imagined. But they did present a number of gifts to our festival team, namely: time and perspective. The decision to cancel a 2021 festival outright was difficult; but it was necessary as we sought to shore up our organizational resources, gain crucial perspective on navigating what the future holds, and demonstrate respect for the very real constraints many of our colleagues and industry faced.
The gift of time allowed us to consider what this festival is, and what it can be. Working with our board, staff, industry friends, and others, we reflected on ways to strengthen + concretize our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This work is reflected in our policies pertaining to board + staff selection, as well as ways in which we will collaborate with individuals + organizations going forward. We stepped back and asked: what would Charleston Wine + Food look like if we invented it today, which provided a new perspective on some of our processes + procedures, which we’ll imbue in our 2022 festival programming.
Absent the press of organizing a multi-day, 100+ event program, we had time to focus anew on our local relationships and executed virtual experiences + hybrid events with our Partners and Talent.
Mission:
To celebrate, educate, enrich, and promote the Lowcountry’s diverse culinary + hospitality community through world-class experiences.
Higher Purpose:
To be a catalyst for connections that inspire curiosity through thoughtful storytelling + meaningful experiences with a sense of place.
