Friday, November 13, 2009

Social Revolution

Here's a good one.

Social Media Revolution

(It is on YouTube so if you are a state employee you might be blocked)

Check out some of those stats.

What do you think? How do you rank?

As an agency we are looking into flip video recording, streaming media, YouTube, podcasts & a few other social media concepts. Our grantees are all over the charts but many have really embraced facebook as a way to keep their fans informed.

I'm Generation X so I'm a little behind with a lot of social media. I still really like email.

I do use facebook & blogger & flickr. I have a twitter account but I haven't used it much.

I confess to not having a text package on my cell phone which makes me a social outcast in some groups.

I have movies (including some Pixar shorts & Ferdinand the Bull cartoons), podcasts & lots of music on my ipod.

My son (he is 5) has an mp3 player and has already mastered the basics of the computer keyboard.

My daughter (she is 3) has an mp3 player she listens to every night and she knows how to speed-dial her dad with my cell phone.

My baby daughter (she is 4 months) knows how to chew her fingers.... she isn't much into social networking beyond posing for facebook photos yet.

What about you? Seen any really innovative use of social media lately???

Stories

Here's a quick and interesting article on how the internet is killing storytelling.

And, to continue the theme..... here's an article about how fundraising is not about the story. (But I think it should be....)

As we approach the deadline for our Public Value Partnership Grants I am up to my ears in stories and I have to say.... I find a good story much more interesting than facts, figures or an executive director telling me how cool their organization is.... Don't tell me.... Show me. And they are.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Arts Organizations 11-4-09

Arts Organizations,

Below you will find a couple items from the Artful Manager blog, a grant for performing arts, Board Café: Can Nonprofit Boards Vote by Email?, and two job openings.

Information about unsubscribing to this email newsletter is at the end of the email.

Regards,
Beck


THE ARTFUL MANAGER WEEKLY SUMMARY a weblog on the business of arts & culture by Andrew Taylor, ataylor@artsjournal.com
CALLING ALL EMERGENT LEADERS...
I don't spend much time on this blog talking about my day job, which is actually entirely intertwined with what I do. But, as we search for and select a 'new class' of high-potential leaders for arts and culture, I could use a little help.
http://www.artsjournal.com/artfulmanager/main/calling-all-emergent-leaders.php
Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

RETHINKING ARTS ECONOMIES AND ARTS EXCHANGE...
A breadcrumb trail of conversation led me to Stolen Chair Theatre's new initiative to support new works. Instead of grants and traditional subscriptions, they propose a community support system modeled on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). So, is theater like vegetables?
And are there folks who would prefer it locally grown?
http://www.artsjournal.com/artfulmanager/main/rethinking-arts-economies-and.php
Posted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Grants Promote U.S. Performing Arts WorldwideUSArtists International
http://www.midatlanticarts.org/funding/pat_presentation/us_artists/index.html USArtists International, an initiative of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, is committed to ensuring that the impressive range of expression and creativity of the U.S. performing arts is represented at international festivals throughout the world. The program provides grants to American dance, music, and theater ensembles as well as solo performers that have been invited to participate in international festivals anywhere in the world outside of the United States. Eligible festivals must be international in scope with representation from at least two countries outside the host country, or have a U.S. theme with representation from at least three U.S. performing groups and/or solo artists. Grants, which generally range from $1,000 to $10,000, will seldom cover the applicant's total expenses. The upcoming application deadlines are January 8 and May 3, 2010. Eligibility details and application guidelines are available on the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation website.

Can Nonprofit Boards Vote By Email?
Board Cafe • By Gene Takagi and Emily Nicole Chan • October 23, 2009 •
Can nonprofit boards vote by mail and email? As is true of so many matters, there are legal answers and sensible answers to this question, which may not be the same. Attorney Gene Takagi and Emily Nicole Chan discuss both in this helpful article:
One of the many Blue Avocado readers who contributed to this article by sharing their experiences and viewpoints commented, "Over the last year we had new members of our Board who used electronic communication as an extension of the board's actions. It was a disaster." In sharp contrast, another reader was chipper: "We have had great success with making decisions between board meetings."
We'll start by discussing the legalities, then take a look at the advantages and disadvantages, and finally, we'll offer guidelines and a sample policy for using email voting.
First, the legal issues
Can nonprofit boards legally vote by email? The short answer: Yes, in most U.S. states, but typically only if the vote is consistent with the requirements for unanimous written consent -- that is, when the vote is unanimous and in writing.
To read more: http://www.blueavocado.org/content/can-nonprofit-boards-vote-email


JOB OPENINGS

Red Lodge Clay Center is pleased to announce our search for a full time Gallery Coordinator. It is the gallery¹s mission to create an appreciation of art through the exhibition and sale of contemporary ceramics.

The ideal candidate would have an extensive knowledge of contemporary ceramics, the ceramic medium, and previous gallery experience. Sales experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary.
Strong office administration, business skills, and computer database knowledge are essential.

The Gallery Coordinator will curate and install gallery exhibitions; maintain gallery website; monitor inventory and sales; receive, pack and ship inventory; oversee resident assistants working in the gallery; facilitate public relations and advertising; and work with the Executive Director and Staff to develop programs to enhance the Center¹s educational mission.

Starting annual salary $33,000 or commensurate with experience.

Application packet should include cover letter, resume, and contact information of five references. Please send all materials to: David Hiltner, Executive Director, Red Lodge Clay Center, PO Box 1527, Red Lodge, Montana 59068. Review of applications begins December 1st, 2009.

http://www.bodyvox.com/dance-center/employment
Education Director
BodyVox Dance is seeking an accomplished, ambitious and responsible individual to guide and manage the company’s education programs. This individual will be responsible for guiding BodVox’s education programs through an exciting period of evolution and growth.
General Manager Una Loughran una@bodyvox.com.

Arts Educators 11-4-09

Arts Educators,

Below is one job opening for dancers.

Information about unsubscribing to this email newsletter is at the end of the email.

Regards,
Beck



JOB OPENING

http://www.bodyvox.com/dance-center/employment
Education Director
BodyVox Dance is seeking an accomplished, ambitious and responsible individual to guide and manage the company’s education programs. This individual will be responsible for guiding BodVox’s education programs through an exciting period of evolution and growth.
General Manager Una Loughran una@bodyvox.com.

Artists 11-4-09

Artists,

Below you will find two opportunities that are available to a range of disciplines followed by opportunities for visual artists, performing artists and dancers.

Information about unsubscribing to this email newsletter is at the end of the email.

Regards,
Beck


Deadline for the U.S./Japan Creative Artists' Program: February 1, 2010

Eligible applicants are architects, choreographers, composers, creative writers, designers, media artists, playwrights, visual artists, or solo theater artists who work with original material (including puppeteers, storytellers and performance artists). Multidisciplinary artists and artistic directors of theater or dance companies are also eligible.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission works cooperatively with the National Endowment for the Arts to sponsor The U.S/Japan Creative Artists' Program. The program provides support for up to five outstanding contemporary and traditional artists from the United States to spend a five-month residency in Japan to pursue their individual artistic goals. The next deadline for this program is February 1, 2010.

The U.S/Japan Creative Artists' Program is extremely competitive; applicants should have regional or national recognition and anticipate a highly rigorous review of their work. Artists should also present compelling reasons for wanting to work in Japan.

Selected artists will receive:
· A monthly stipend for living expenses and a housing supplement, as well as an allowance for professional support services
· Up to $6,000 for round trip transportation for the artist, domestic partner and/or dependent children, and a baggage/storage allowance
· A stipend for pre-departure Japanese language study in the United States

Additional information, including guidelines and the application, can be found at http://www.jusfc.gov/creativeartists.asp.


Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA
Each year, the deadline for Creative Writing Fellowship applications is December 1, and the deadline for Visual Arts Fellowship applications is February 1. http://www.fawc.org/fellowships/
The Fine Arts Work Center offers a unique residency for writers and visual artists in the crucial early stages of their careers. Located in Provincetown, an area with a long history as an arts colony, the Work Center provides seven-month fellowships to twenty fellows each year in the form of living/work space and a modest monthly stipend. Residencies run from October 1 through May 1. Fellows have the opportunity to pursue their work independently in a diverse and supportive community. An historic fishing port, Provincetown is situated at the tip of Cape Cod in an area of spectacular natural beauty, surrounded by miles of dunes and National Seashore beaches.
Program: Fellows are expected to live and work in Provincetown during the fellowship year. Optional group activities are organized both formally and informally and provide Fellows with the opportunity to meet program committee members, trustees and local artists and writers. The Stanley Kunitz Common Room is the site of frequent presentations by visiting artists and writers as well as readings by Writing Fellows. Visual Arts Fellows present shows in the Center's Hudson D. Walker Gallery. Visiting artists and writers engage in dialogue with the Fellows throughout the year. Shankpainter, a collection of prose and poetry, has been edited by the Writing Fellows since 1970. The Fine Arts Work Center also seeks to identify local and national venues for both Fellows and Former Fellows to share their work.
Eligibility: Fine Arts Work Center Fellowships are open to writers and visual artists in the emerging stages of their careers. Juries of professionals make the admissions decisions. Writers may apply in fiction and poetry. In the visual arts, 2D, 3D and time-based work is considered. The Fine Arts Work Center actively seeks applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds. The Fine Arts Work Center welcomes family members and partners of Writing and Visual Fellows during the Winter Fellowship Term.
How to Apply: Visual Arts Application and Writing Application forms may be downloaded http://www.fawc.org/fellowships/fel_app_guidelines.php . They may also be obtained by mailing a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Fine Arts Work Center, 24 Pearl Street, Provincetown, MA 02657 (please specify "Visual Application" or "Writing Application" in your letter).

VISUAL ARTS

Red Lodge Clay Center is pleased to announce our search for a full time Gallery Coordinator. It is the gallery¹s mission to create an appreciation of art through the exhibition and sale of contemporary ceramics.

The ideal candidate would have an extensive knowledge of contemporary ceramics, the ceramic medium, and previous gallery experience. Sales experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary.
Strong office administration, business skills, and computer database knowledge are essential.

The Gallery Coordinator will curate and install gallery exhibitions; maintain gallery website; monitor inventory and sales; receive, pack and ship inventory; oversee resident assistants working in the gallery; facilitate public relations and advertising; and work with the Executive Director and Staff to develop programs to enhance the Center¹s educational mission.

Starting annual salary $33,000 or commensurate with experience.

Application packet should include cover letter, resume, and contact information of five references. Please send all materials to: David Hiltner, Executive Director, Red Lodge Clay Center, PO Box 1527, Red Lodge, Montana 59068. Review of applications begins December 1st, 2009.

The Exit Gallery: Call for Entries!

The Exit Gallery is a student run art gallery on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman and is now accepting applications for exhibitions during the spring 2010 semester. If accepted you will have the opportunity to show your artwork in a two week solo show with paid advertising and reception. This is an excellent opportunity to expose your work to MSU and the Bozeman community. For an application please email exhibits@montana.edu. Applications are due December 15, 2009.

PERFORMING ARTS

Grants Promote U.S. Performing Arts WorldwideUSArtists International
http://www.midatlanticarts.org/funding/pat_presentation/us_artists/index.html USArtists International, an initiative of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, is committed to ensuring that the impressive range of expression and creativity of the U.S. performing arts is represented at international festivals throughout the world. The program provides grants to American dance, music, and theater ensembles as well as solo performers that have been invited to participate in international festivals anywhere in the world outside of the United States. Eligible festivals must be international in scope with representation from at least two countries outside the host country, or have a U.S. theme with representation from at least three U.S. performing groups and/or solo artists. Grants, which generally range from $1,000 to $10,000, will seldom cover the applicant's total expenses. The upcoming application deadlines are January 8 and May 3, 2010. Eligibility details and application guidelines are available on the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation website.

DANCE

http://www.bodyvox.com/dance-center/employment
Education Director
BodyVox Dance is seeking an accomplished, ambitious and responsible individual to guide and manage the company’s education programs. This individual will be responsible for guiding BodVox’s education programs through an exciting period of evolution and growth.
General Manager Una Loughran una@bodyvox.com.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Historic Preservation Grants

Anthony J. Preite, Director
301 S. Park Ave.  P.O. Box 200501  Helena, Montana 59620-0501
Phone: 406-841-2700  Fax: 406-841-2701  TDD: 406-841-2702  http://commerce.mt.gov
BRIAN SCHWEITZER, GOVERNOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
CONTACT: Dave Cole, Administrator
Historic Preservation Competitive Grant Program
Montana Department of Commerce
406-841-2776
Marissa Kozel
Communications Director
Montana Department of Commerce
406-841-2772
Montana Department of Commerce is Accepting Applications for
Historic Preservation Grants
(HELENA) – The Montana Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for a newly
established Historic Preservation Competitive Grant Program. Montana cities, towns, counties, nonprofit
organizations and private entities are encouraged to apply for the more than $3.6 million available
through the Program. The deadline to submit applications is November, 16th, 2009.
The Historic Preservation Competitive Grant Program was created through the Montana Reinvestment
Act (HB645), which implements the federal American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
Montana is the only state in the nation to make funds available for historic preservation as part ARRA.
The Montana Reinvestment Act provided a total of $4 million to the program. Of that total, the Montana
Reinvestment Act allocated awards to three historic preservation projects:
Marcus Daly Mansion, Hamilton: $50,000 for Restoration and Preservation
St. Mary’s Mission, Stevensville: $40,000 for Restoration and Preservation
Traveler’s Rest Historic Site, Lolo: $180,000 for Restoration and Preservation
“Montana’s rich and colorful history is a key player in contributing to our economy,” said Governor
Brian Schweitzer. “From the 10 million out-of-state travelers who visit Montana each year, to the
businesses that operate in Montana’s historic downtown districts – historic places generate revenue for
most every Montana community. Through these funds, we are preserving our history, putting people to
work, reinvesting in our economy, improving efficiency, increasing public safety, and making a cleaner,
healthier Montana.”
“The Montana Department of Commerce encourages eligible organizations to apply for these important
funds,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Many partners have
2
worked diligently to secure these funds for Montana. The Department will work equally as hard to
ensure these funds are used to preserve Montana’s most special places.”
The grant ceiling for HB 645 historic preservation grants is $250,000. Grant requests must be sufficient
either by themselves or in combination with other proposed funding sources to complete the proposed
activities. Individual grants will be awarded only in amounts appropriate to the scope of the identified
proposed project activities, and the documented needs, resources and administrative capacity of the
applicant. The MDOC reserves the right to award an amount that is less than what is requested, in order
to fund only a specific portion of the proposed project. Therefore, applicants should identify the cost
associated with each portion of the proposed project that could be completed as a stand-alone project.
Eligible applicants may submit only one application for a Historic Preservation Grant. The Department
will not accept multiple applications that are intended to support the same historic preservation project.
The five competitive criteria included in the Montana Reinvestment Act will be used to determine the
merit of each application for historic preservation competitive grants. The funding criteria are:
(1) The degree of economic stimulus or economic activity, including job creation and work creation for
Montana contractors and service workers;
(2) The timing of the project, including the access to matching funds if needed and approval of permits
so the work can be completed without delay;
(3) The historic or heritage value related to the State of Montana;
(4) The successful track record or experience of the organization directing the project; and
(5) The expected on-going economic benefit to the State as a result of the project completion.
For more information on the Historic Preservation Competitive Grant Program, or to apply for funds,
visit http://recovery.mt.gov/commerce/hpg/default.mcpx, or call 406-841-2776.
###

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Arts Educators 10-06-2009

Arts Educators,

Below you will find information on MAC's online survey of arts education in MT schools, a link to an article on online teacher professional development, the Any Given Child initiative created by the John F. Kennedy Center, and Grantmakers Funding Elementary/Secondary School Reform.

Information about unsubscribing to this email newsletter is at the end of the email.

Regards,
Beck

All Montana K-12 principals will be emailed the Montana Arts Council's online survey of arts education in Montana schools on October 19th and 20th. The email and the cover letter to the online survey are cosigned by Denise Juneau, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Arlynn Fishbaugh, Executive Director, Montana Arts Council.

Important and missing baseline information for arts education in Montana will be the focus of the survey. The study will benefit schools by annually measuring arts education in our schools, providing schools with consistent and credible data. All Montana public schools and private schools accredited by the Board of Public Education will receive the survey. The survey will be conducted annually for the next three years and subsequently every third year thereafter.

The survey questions cover:
School demographics
Student learning in the arts
The number and training of arts teachers
Professional development in the arts for teachers
Space and resources for the arts
The data will help guide the arts council to specifically target funding and resources to help Montana schools.
When you see your local school principal ask if he or she has filled out the survey. Thank them if they have and if not encourage them to participate. The survey closes on December 4th.
For more information on the survey contact Beck McLaughlin, Education & Web Services Director at the arts council. Email: bemclaughlin@mt.gov , phone: 406-444-6522


An education-technology scholar discusses the current state and promise of online teacher Professional Development.
http://www.teachersourcebook.org/tsb/articles/2009/10/01/01dede.h03.html

The Any Given Child initiative, created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, seeks to bring access, balance, and equity to each child's arts education, using an affordable model that combines the resources of the school district, local arts groups, and the Kennedy Center. The program is designed for students in grades K-8.
Kennedy Center staff members work with community leaders and school administrators in a Community Team to develop a long-range plan for arts education that is tailor-made for their school district. The Team reviews existing arts resources in the school district and the education programs offered by local arts organizations and companies. Once there is a snapshot of the arts education resources, the Team develops a plan specific to the needs of that community. For more information go to the website: http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/anygivenchild/
Foundation Center
Grantmakers Funding Elementary/Secondary School Reform
http://maps.fdncenter.org/Education/
Click on MT to see the two funders for our area - Beck