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Welcome to ArtMail for July 16, 2008! This issue is packed with information you will not want to miss out on! We have the latest information, as well as a link to the complete RFQ for "The Art of Action" project that we announced last week (in our calls to artists). This project is extremely exciting, and we hope that many of you will take advantage of this opportunity.
We are also beginning to feature images of puzzle art being created all over the state through Art Fits Vermont. There are nearly 20,000 puzzle pieces that have already been distributed, and we can't wait to see what you're doing so we can share it with the rest of the Vermont arts community. We also have an updated list of all the events we will be attending as part of Art Fits Vermont. Be sure to stop by & see us!
But for now, read on to find the "just right" event or opportunity for you, and discover even more news, events and information about the arts in Vermont & beyond!
Quotable: "All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness." (Eckhart Tolle, Spiritual teacher & New Thought writer, b. 1948)
A few weeks ago I was on Vermont Public Radio talking about the state of the arts. I was joined by a couple of other guests--among them poet/writer David Budbill. The first question the host asked was Why do we need artists?
Click here to read the rest of this week's blog from Vermont Arts Council executive director, Alex Aldrich.
ART OF VERMONT: THE STATE COLLECTION - The Vermont Arts Council and the VT Dept. of Buildings and General Services have created a traveling exhibit featuring approximately 50 of the 1,000 pieces of art that State has assembled over the past 170 years. The exhibit includes many works of art that are rarely seen by the general public and the people who own them - the citizens of Vermont. The exhibit is currently at the Goodrich Library in Newport. The show will remain in Newport through August 16. Later this year, the exhibit will travel to the Bennington Museum and the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland. Additional exhibits are being finalized for 2009-2010. Click here to read more about this project, or to download a free screensaver of the artwork included in this exhibit.
NEW: In addition to the touring exhibit, pieces of the State’s collection can be found in nearly 50 state facilities including the State House and Vermont State Colleges. The Council has added a new feature to our web site—an interactive map with 27 venues that house artwork commissioned through the Art in State Buildings program. Each site includes photos of the art in that location and some include and video interviews with the artists.
UPCOMING ART FITS VERMONT EVENT VISITS :
If your organization is hosting an event and would like the Art Mobile to attend, please email us! We may not be able to take part in every event but will visit as many communities as possible in 2008-2009.
SEND US IMAGES OF YOUR COMPLETED PUZZLE PIECE - We encourage you to send us images of your puzzle pieces and puzzle-making activities. If you have access to a digital camera, take a photo of your piece and upload it to our server. (1) Images should be a .jpg, .gif or .tiff file (2) Resolution should be 300dpi (3) Note that images may be posted on the Vermont Arts Council website, used in print and made into downloadable screensavers .
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ARTIST DEDUCTION BILL TIES RECORD NUMBER OF COSPONSORS IN HOUSE - Rep. Don Cazayoux (D-LA) has joined on as a cosponsor to H.R. 1524, bringing the total number of cosponsors in the House to 103. This ties the record number set in 2004. This bill supports individual artists by allowing them to take a fair-market value tax deduction for tangible works they donate to nonprofit collecting and educational organizations, and it benefits the public by giving them access to more art. Send a message to your members of Congress asking them to be a co-sponsor of this important bill, H.R. 1524 (House) and S. 548 (Senate).
UPDATED ADVOCACY INFORMATION - With the 2008 election only months away, the Vermont Arts Council wants to make sure you are prepared to make the best decision possible on the candidates. To help you, we have added several new features to our arts advocacy page. Check it out today!
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ROLLING GRANT DEADLINES - The Vermont Arts Council has several grants with rolling deadlines. For more information on any of these grants, click here.
- FY09 American Masterpieces Grants
- FY09 Technical Assistance & Travel Grants
- FY09 Teaching Artist Residency Grants
- FY09 Artist Development Grants
Reminder: All grants MUST be completed online.
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ART and TECHNOLOGY SUMMER INSTITUTE - Would you like to learn more about how to work your digital camera, how to use Photoshop or make a blog? Then you should plan to be at Twinfield Union High School on Wednesday, August 6, from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm. Registration fee $35. Includes Lunch. Three sessions with hands on computer instruction. Workshop selections include beginner Photoshop, advanced Photoshop and elements, Digital camera, and starting your own blog. Any questions or to register contact either: Jan Danziger 426-3213 x230 or Lowell Abigail Klock 446-2768.
VAAE CALL FOR PROPOSALS - VAAE is planning their 2008 Fall Conference, and we want to hear from you – what’s on your mind? The theme this year is “Leap of Faith: The Future of Arts Education in Vermont.” What have you been seeing in your schools and in your communities around the state with respect to the health of arts education in an era of declining budgets – what successes, what challenges, and what opportunities? And how does this bode for the overall health of our school systems when we know that a well-rounded student requires an adequate education in the arts?
VAAE is seeking proposals for workshops for our Fall Conference. This year they are limiting workshop sessions for two-hour time periods.) If you would like to propose a workshop or conduct one yourself, please submit the following information by mail or email to Thomas Stevens, Executive Director, Vermont Alliance for Arts Education, P.O. Box 33, Waterbury, VT 05676-0033.
- Workshop title and brief description (no more than 1 page);
- Technical requirements such as power, slide projectors, tables, screens, easels, sinks, natural light, minimum space requirements, etc.;
- Materials and expected extra charge;
- Brief bios of workshop leaders (no more than 1 paragraph for each presenter);
- Contact information for presenters which includes name, address, phone, email, and web address (if applicable).
All submissions must be received by VAAE no later July 23, 2008.
POETRY OUT LOUD 2009 - The Vermont Arts Council invites you to join the thousands of teachers who have become inspired, had fun and surprising success “making poetry matter” for students!
Poetry Out Loud (POL) National Recitation Contest is an exciting program taking place in high schools nationwide. This program, sponsored by the Vermont Arts Council in collaboration with the Vermont Humanities Council. the Vermont Department of Education, and the Vermont Alliance for Arts Education, is now in its fourth year in Vermont. POL builds on the recent resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as demonstrated by the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of rap music among our youth. The program encourages the nation’s high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, helping them to internalize and perpetuate our rich literary heritage while mastering public speaking skills and building self-confidence.
Joining Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest is a great way to teach poetry and help students with written and oral communication skills. Poetry Out Loud was designed so that teachers may easily implement this “poetry bee” contest in the classroom. The contest structure is similar to a spelling bee, with classroom, school-wide, and state level competitions. The state winner travels to Washington DC with a chaperone (all expenses paid) to compete in the National POL Finals.
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VIEW JULY & AUGUST CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS/LECTURES IN THE VT ARTS CALENDAR: Clicking the links below will direct your browser to display listings as they appear in the Vermont Travel Planner (which is connected directly to the Vermont Arts Calendar):
Conferences & Workshops
Lectures & Readings
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DRAMA LEAGUE OF NYC INVITES SAINT MICHAEL'S PLAYHOUSE INTO THEATRE EXCELLENCE IN AMERICA PROGRAM - The Drama League of New York City, an organization of 89 American theater companies, chose the Saint Michael's Playhouse as "one of the best regional theater companies in America" and invited the company to join its Theatre Excellence in America program. The Drama League informed Chuck Tobin, producing artistic director of the Playhouse, that Saint Michael's Playhouse was chosen because its record of excellence would enhance the League's agenda of "increasing awareness of quality professional theatre." The Drama League launched Theatre Excellence in America in 1996 and boasts a prestigious contingent of American theater company members including Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Yale Repertory Theater, Hartford Stage, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Huntington Theatre Company, The Guthrie, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Arena Stage of Washington, DC, among others, including a number of Off-Broadway theaters.
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If you would like a shot at being featured in the column of events listings on our web site and in ArtMail, you must start by listing your event in The Vermont Arts Calendar. Both areas are reserved for events that are listed in the Calendar, and you'll have a better chance of getting featured if you have a photo of your event on your web site
AFTER YOU HAVE ENTERED YOUR EVENT in the Calendar, if you would like us to consider it for inclusion in the right hand column, feel free to email us to ask us to consider it; you may also attach a photo for publication.
Events listed in the Arts Calendar also post in the following locations:
- the Events calendar at vermontvacation.com,
- electronic kiosks in the State's Welcome Centers
- system administrators also email event listings to over 40 media outlets in Vermont
- selected "featured events" will also post in a sidebar on the Council's web site
We encourage all artists and presenters to use this free tool to help you spread the word about your arts events.
OK, I HAVE AN EVENT TO PUBLICIZE. HOW DO I GET STARTED? Click here and we'll walk you through it.
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Jobs | Calls to Artists | Funding Opportunities | Residencies
JOBS:
NORRIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CALIFORNIA SEEKING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be charged with leading an effective, comprehensive, and integrated management of the Norris Center as it moves into the next phase of its journey. The Executive Director will be the organization's chief spokesperson with the Norris Center's mission, vision and values as a guide in representing it to many constituencies, both internal and external, throughout the community. The scope of responsibility will include fund development, long-range planning, audience development, artistic and programmatic administration in conjunction with the Artistic Director, external and community relations, and the overall operational, financial and administrative management of the Center. Qualified applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a master's degree strongly preferred. A minimum of 5-7 years of related senior management experience with a successful track record in best business practices, preferably in the arts and culture field. Knowledge of computers and related Microsoft software applications, email and internet programs, as well as general knowledge of patron relationship management tools. Send letter and resume with demonstrable accomplishments to: Mr. Bruce D. Thibodeau, President, Arts Consulting Group, Inc. 1601 Hi Point Street,Los Angeles, CA 90035-4503. Tel (323) 936.0626 Fax (323) 936.1196.
CASTLETON STATE COLLEGE SEEKING SOUNDINGS COORDINATOR/ASSISTANT DIRECTOOR OF CULTURAL PROGRAMMING - To serve as College’s Sounding Coordinator in administering Soundings Program and as Assistant Director of Cultural Programming in assisting Director on Arts Reach Program and other Fine Arts Center related duties. Minimum qualifications: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree, plus two to three years relevant experience in administrative and/or performing arts or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Send letter of application, resume and three references to: Office of Human Resources, Castleton State College, Castleton, VT 05735.
PROGRAM MANAGER - Bushnell Performing Art Center is seeking a programs manager. They are seeking a dedicated team member who along with Vice President and other key executives, identifies and exploits programmatic opportunities that support The Bushnell’s mission and vision, and promote its financial stability as it re-defines the role of a performing arts center in the 21st century. Researches, budgets, negotiates, manages, successfully executes and settles events including but not limited to concerts, family programming, Bushnell Children’s Theater, comedy, film and venue rentals. Facilitates departmental administration (i.e., annual and event budget creation and maintenance; monitoring of accounts payable/receivable; payroll; personnel). Produces and/or assists with the production of shows, events, series and/or festivals. Serves as primary liaison to multiple, internal departments. Interfaces with multiple departments regarding the creation and advancement of comprehensive audience development concepts. Interfaces with talent agents, managers, TIPCON and artists in order to further establish The Bushnell as a key Northeast venue. Monitors and researches industry and community trends which may inform programmatic opportunities. Embodies knowledge of and enthusiasm for multiple performing arts genres. Apply to: The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106.
LEBANON OPERA HOUSE SEEKING OPERATION MANAGER AND BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATE - Operations manager: Responsible for box office, volunteers and daily operations management; maintenance of technology including office computer systems, website and e-mail communications and assisting the Executive Director with development, marketing and outreach activities. Box Office Associate: Serves as the face and voice of LOH; provides excellent customer service and is responsible for in-person, internet and telephone ticket sales. Both positions are full-time and offer a competitive salary, benefits and potential for growth. For more information or detailed position descriptions, please contact Heather Clow at 603.448.0400 or send an email.
ARTS JOB LISTINGS - For a list of current job openings in the arts, visit the Jobs page of the Cultural Commons. For arts management positions, see Americans for the Arts' job bank. Other links to arts jobs listings include www.backstagejobs.com, www.playbill.com/jobs/find, New England Theater 411's Call for Production Team, and TCG's ArtSEARCH.
CALLS TO ARTISTS:
THE ART OF ACTION: SHAPING VERMONT THROUGH ART - Vermont philanthropist and visionary, Lyman Orton, is collaborating with the Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Council on Rural Development to commission two-dimensional works of art that reflect or respond to issues and challenges facing Vermont. The intent is that the project and the works created will raise awareness and inspire action that will shape Vermont’s social, political, environmental, and/or economic future. Twenty artists will be selected to make a presentation on a topic or topics related to Vermont’s future. From these, ten will be selected to develop their concepts. These ten artists will be awarded commissions ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 and averaging $25,000. Click here for the complete RFQ, along with more information about this exciting opportunity!
PAULA BARR CHELSEA INTERNATION JURIED ART EXHIBITION CALLING ARTISTS - Paula Barr Chelsea Announces International Juried Art Exhibition 2008 Juror: Myriam Rotzetter EXHIBITION: OCTOBER 16 - OCTOBER 25, 2008 DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: AUGUST 1, 2008 New York, New York-Contests, Juried Art Shows, oil painting, water media, pastels, graphics, prints, photography and sculpture in any medium. PaulaBarr Chelsea, located in the heart of the Chelsea Art community, has encouraged artists since 2001, and we look forward to showcasing the work of even more artists in the First Annual International Juried Art Exhibition 2008. Artists must be of at least 18 years old. Possible submissions include oil painting, water media, pastels, graphics, prints, photography and sculpture in any medium. We ask please, no video or film. Entry Fee: $40 (USD) for four JPEG submissions, $5 (USD) for each additional JPEG submission after four. PaulaBarr Chelsea, 526 West 26th street, Suite 9G, New York, New York, 10001.
FIRST NIGHT MONTPELIER CALL TO ARTISTS - The Montpelier Downtown Community Association is accepting applications for First Night Montpelier. The Capital City’s event attracts over 3,000 people for performances and activities throughout the downtown. The application is available at www.mdca.org. The deadline for submissions is August 18th and performers will be notified by September 15th.
MAINE CALLING ARTISTS - The Maine Arts Commission is making a call to professional artists who live in Maine to submit proposals to design, execute and install artwork at the Bangor Courthouse, Percent for Art site. Total project budget is $90,000, submissions deadline is August 31, 2008. For more information please go to the MAC website.
BEACH ACCESS AREA PUBLIC ART PROJECT - A design team is sought for a $46,590 commission that focuses on developing a signage and public art plan for beach access areas within Pinellas County, Florida. For complete project information and application instructions visit the Pinellas County Cultural Affairs public art web-page or contact Mark Flickinger, Program Director, (727) 453-7869. Submission deadline: September 15.
CANVAS TO PAGE TO STAGE CALL TO ARTISTS - Catalyst Theatre Company requests scripts from Vermont writers for a production of Norman Rockwell's Famous Saturday Evening Post Illustrations brought to life in 6 One-Act Plays, movement and music. INFORMATION: The 10-15 minute plays will be chosen from scripts submitted from playwrights in Vermont and Maine where a similar project is being created. Most scripts consist of 4 or less characters to be cast from what we hope will be a wide and diverse pool of actors/dancers/musicians in regards, age, gender, abilities, types and styles. We're also considering poetry (rap, slam, etc) flowing on any of Rockwell's pieces as well. DEADLINE for script submission: December 20, 2008. Submit your script via email or mail to Catalyst Theatre Co., One Main Street #211, Union Station, Burlington, Vt 05401. Please include a copy of the Rockwell painting that provided the impetus for your piece. CONTACT: Ronni Lopez 862-2287.
NYFA CLASSIFIEDS – The New York Foundation for the Arts web site lists opportunities and services for artists in its classified section, one of the best free national online sources for artist opportunities and services. These include calls for entry, services such as photography of art work and accounting, space for rent, and many others.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:
MOCKINGBIRD FOUNDATION - Mockingbird Foundation Offers Support for Children's Music Education Programs. The Mockingbird Foundation, Inc. offers competitive grants to schools and nonprofit organizations to support music education for children. Mockingbird is particularly interested in music projects that encourage and foster creative expression in any musical form (including composition, instrumentation, vocalization, or improvisation), but also recognizes broader and more basic needs within conventional instruction. Mockingbird is particularly interested in projects that foster self-esteem and free expression. Mockingbird is interested in targeting children eighteen years or younger, but will consider projects which benefit college students, teachers, instructors, or adult students. Grants range in size from $50 to $5,000 each. Grants are made across the United States, and are typically made only to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, or those who have a sponsoring agency with 501(c)(3) status, or to public schools. Letter of Inquiry deadline: August 1.
GRANTS TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHCARE/ARTS COLLABORATIONS - The Society for the Arts in Healthcare (SAH) promotes the use of the arts to enhance the healthcare experience for patients, their families, and caregivers. The Johnson & Johnson/SAH Partnership to Promote Arts and Healing provides grants averaging $75,000 over three years to collaborations of healthcare organizations and arts agencies in the U.S. and Canada that have established models of high quality healthcare through the use of arts. Funded programs must have been in existence for a minimum of three years and have demonstrated a high potential for replication. Programs may be located in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, hospices, medical schools, and public health services. At least one member of the partnership must be a current member of SAH. The deadline for letters of inquiry is August 8, 2008. Visit the SAH website for program details and application guidelines.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS: ACCESS TO ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE - To encourage and support artistic excellence, preserve our cultural heritage, and provide access to the arts for all Americans. This category supports projects that provide short-term arts exposure or arts appreciation for children and youth as well as intergenerational education projects. All grant applications must be done online, and registration must be done in advance. If you are not yet registered, you should allow a minimum of two weeks for the process before applying for any grants. Click here for more program information. Application deadline: August 11, 2008.
FUNDS TO ENHANCE CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITIONS - The Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of contemporary visual art. The Foundation's grants support direct costs for catalogues and other publications accompanying contemporary art exhibitions and projects, especially those supporting emerging and under-recognized artists and those produced by smaller organizations outside the nation's cultural centers. Limited funds are also provided for publications related to the grantee organization and its programs or collections. The Foundation prefers to provide support for one-time special projects that are originated by the applying organization. The next deadline for letters of inquiry is August 15, 2008. Visit the website listed above for guidelines on developing letters of inquiry.
FURTHERMORE PROGRAM OFFERS GRANTS IN NONFICTION PUBLISHING - An initiative of the J.M. Kaplan Fund, the Furthermore program supports nonfiction book publishing about the city; natural and historic resources; art, architecture, and design; cultural history; and civil liberties and other public issues. The program seeks work that appeals to an informed general audience; gives evidence of high standards in editing, design, and production; promises a reasonable shelf life; might not otherwise achieve top quality or even come into being; and "represents a contribution without which we would be the poorer." Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. Grant recipients have included civic and academic institutions, museums, independent and university presses, and professional societies. Trade publishers and public agencies may apply for grants in partnership with an eligible nonprofit sponsor. Applications from individuals are not accepted.Grants range from $500 to approximately $15,000 each and may support writing, research, editing, design, indexing, photography, illustration, and printing and binding. Deadline: September 15, 2008. Click here for the complete RFP.
NEA AMERICAN MASTERPIECES: PRESENTING - American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius is a major initiative to acquaint Americans with the best of their cultural and artistic legacy. Through American Masterpieces, the National Endowment for the Arts will sponsor performances, exhibitions, tours, and educational programs across all art forms that will reach large and small communities in all 50 states. Organizations are required to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov, the federal government’s online application system. The Grants.gov system must receive your application no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 26, 2008. Before you apply through Grants.gov for the first time, you must be registered. Registration with Grants.gov: Is a multi-step process. Takes time; allow two weeks. Must be completed before you can submit your application.
NEA: THE ARTS ON RADIO & TELEVISION - This program supports the development, production, and national distribution of radio and television programs on the arts, with priority given to artistically excellent programs that have the potential to reach a significant national audience. Grants are available to support the development, production, and national distribution of radio and television programs on the arts.
TOURISM CARES GRANT PROGRAM - Tourism Cares' Worldwide Grant Program distributes charitable grants to worthy tourism-related nonprofit organizations worldwide for capital improvements or programs. The program's primary consideration is to fund projects and programs whose goal is capital ("brick-and-mortar") improvements that serve to protect, restore, or conserve sites of exceptional cultural, historic, or natural significance; or the education of local host communities and the traveling public about the conservation and preservation of sites of exceptional cultural, historical, or natural significance.Program grants average $10,000 each; however, based on availability of funds, grants of up to $100,000 each will be considered. The 2008 Worldwide Grant Program goals call for a balanced distribution of grants to U.S. and non-U.S. recipients. U.S.-based applicant organizations must have nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) status; non-U.S.-based applicant organizations must have status equivalent to the 501(c)(3) designation. Letter of Inquiry packets are available at the Tourism Cares Web site.
FOUNDATION CENTER RFPS - Philanthropy News Digest, a service of the Foundation Center, hosts a web site listing funding opportunities, requests for proposals, and other listings of interest to artists and arts organizations.
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WEBWATCH: RED STUDIO - Red Studio, developed by the Museum of Modern Art in collaboration with high school students, explores issues and questions raised by teens about modern art, today's working artists, and what goes on behind the scenes at a museum. Featuring interviews by teens of artists Vito Acconci and Shahzia Sikander, along with the interactive youDESIGN and REMIX activities, and the talk back bulletin board, Red Studio will be periodically updated and expanded. There are many new features, activities, and contests to come.
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ARTMAIL SUBMISSIONS: If your event involves the performing or visual arts you must first enter it in the Vermont Arts Calendar in order to be considered for inclusion in ArtMail. Please take a close look at our submission guidelines, as they have been recently updated.
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THE FINE PRINT: If you have something for us to consider publishing in ArtMail, please read our submission guidelines. The Vermont Arts Council makes every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided herein is accurate. We cannot assume responsibility for any consequences (good or bad, although we love to hear about the good) experienced by readers as a result of the information they obtain from this newsletter. Readers are advised to confirm time sensitive information such as performance dates, deadlines, and requirements with the sponsoring organization.
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