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Welcome to ArtMail for May 7, 2008! Last Saturday marked the end of the 2007/2008 legislative session. We want to thank all of you who helped advocate for the arts throughout the session, and in Alex's column this week, he informs us of the results of our efforts.
This is the final week the Congressional Arts Competition exhibit is on display at the T.W. Wood Art Gallery in Montpelier. We encourage you to visit the show and enjoy the art work of some of Vermont's finest young artists. Join us on May 12th at the reception announcing the winners and "People's Choice" awards.
Also mark May 17th on your calendar. Its Kid’s Day in Burlington and our first Art Fits Vermont community visit. The Council’s ArtMobile will be loaded up with a puzzle piece display, plus paper and miniature wood puzzle pieces for craft making.
What else will you find in this week's ArtMail? Find out how YOU can get the Arts Council at your Art Fits Vermont event, check out new job listings and calls to artists, conference & workshop announcements, and much more!
QUOTABLE: “Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.” (Henri Matisse, French artist, b. 1869)
Two days after Arts Achievement Day in the Vermont State House I took my family to Florida for Spring Break, leaving behind a cultural afterglow in the State House that would carry us through the end of the session. I returned 10 days later to find the legislature deep in its final discussions—full of new economic incentive plans laid on at the 11th hour, and trying to figure out how to fix education, improve health care, handle criminals, and fill pot-holes.
I also returned to a legislature that would, in the end, recommend a 2.5% increase to our appropriation and only a 10% (not 25%) cut to our Cultural Facilities Grant program. This is a success story, and here’s why:
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VERMONT ARTS COUNCIL'S ANNUAL MEETING - The Vermont Arts Council’s Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, May 30th. The day will include a meeting of the
ART IN STATE BUILDINGS: 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOURING EXHIBIT - In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Art in State Buildings Program, the Council has partnered with the VT Dept. of Buildings and General Services to create a touring exhibit of some of the finest work in the State’s substantial collection of art. The exhibit will travel to four galleries across the state in the coming months. The opening exhibit will take place on May 25, 2008 at the Bryan Memorial Gallery in Jeffersonville. Click here to read more about this project, or to download a free screensaver of the artwork included in this exhibit.
"REMEMBERING MAINE" IN THE SPOTLIGHT GALLERY BY ARTHUR WILLIAMS - The Vermont Arts Council’s Spotlight Gallery will host a show of paintings by Arthur Williams, from May 30th through July 31st. A reception will be held as part of the Arts Council's Annual meeting on May 30th from 5-7pm, as well as during Montpelier's Art Walk on June 6th from 4-8pm.
PETER WELCH CONGRESSIONAL ARTS COMPETITION - The 27th Annual Congressional Art Show is on display through May 12th at the T.W. Wood Art Gallery in Montpelier. The gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from noon-4 p.m. A reception and awards ceremony will take place on Monday May 12th to honor the students, parents, teachers and community members that have supported this year’s event.
The judges, all Vermont artists themselves, will select nine pieces for recognition (1st, 2nd and 3rd places, 3 Honorable Mention awards and 3 Judge’s Choice awards) from over 175 entries. Visitors to the gallery can vote for their favorite piece, the “People’s Choice”. The winning artwork will hang in the Capitol for the next year along with winning entries from across the country. In addition, the winner and a parent or chaperone will travel to Washington D.C. for a reception and to see the artwork on display.
The Vermont Arts Council firmly believes that Art Builds Community. Supporting artists and arts organizations is fundamental to our mission to advance and preserve the arts at the center of Vermont communities. This spring, we ask you to support our efforts—become a member!
“The Council’s generous support of my work made me feel more closely-linked with the state in a social and cultural context…this acceptance has given me a sense of pride and belonging to the community as a productive and contributing citizen.” - painter David Brewster of Halifax, VT.
THE PUZZLES ARE COMING! THE PUZZLES ARE COMING! - PLEASE BE PATIENT! If you’ve ordered puzzle pieces, you’ll be hearing from the Arts Council shortly with a delivery date and location. Keep in mind that it may take a while to package and distribute 11,000 wood and 50,000 paper puzzle pieces! If you have an event planned in May 2008, contact us and we’ll expedite delivery. If you haven't yet ordered for puzzle pieces, do it today!
If you would like the Arts Council to consider attending your community event with our ArtMobile, display of puzzle pieces and craft tables, you must be listed in the Arts Calendar. Note that the Council will not be able to attend every Art Fits Vermont event listed but will visit as many communities as possible during the length of the project.
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DRAFT INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE NEW FORM 990 - A draft of the instructions for completing the redesigned Form 990 has been released by the IRS and is now open for comments from the public. Enhanced with such features as a glossary of terms and a table for determining how and where to report various forms of compensation, the instructions also include a line-by-line breakdown that guides filers through each question of the form and its attached schedules.
In the interest of increasing clarity and reducing complexity, the IRS is now soliciting comments on all aspects of the draft instructions. The IRS has also included with the draft a list of items within the instructions that the service is especially interested in receiving feedback on. Comments will be accepted until June 1, after which time they will be posted on the IRS Web site.
Click here for more information, OR click here to view the draft instructions.
E-POSTCARD FAQS UPDATED - Finally, for those small organizations now required to file a Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, the IRS has posted an updated list of FAQs. These questions cover basic information, such as "Who must file the Form 990-N?" and "What information do I need to provide on the e-Postcard?" as well as more specific topics. You can view them here.
NEFA ANNOUNCES CULTURECOUNT - Along with a new name, logo and revised website, New England’s Cultural Database – now called CultureCount – is being re-launched along with a marketing campaign to promote the online resource. The campaign (which centers around the theme “because culture counts”) incorporates print ads and other communications resources that engage not only the individual site users, but organizations and institutions that will be allies in the campaign. The public service value CultureCount provides these organizations and their local, regional and state communities is their motivation for taking part in the campaign. Click here to access the Vermont campaign toolkit.
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UPCOMING FY09 GRANT DEADLINES - Click here to view the grant schedule for FY09. Upcoming deadlines include:
- For Organizations - Community Arts Grants: Deadline June 6th
All applications must be submitted online. For a complete list of grants deadlines, and all other grant information, please visit our web site
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GRANTSEEKING BASICS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS - Learn how the Foundation Center's resources can help you become a more effective grantseeker! For nonprofit organizations, this introduction provides instruction in foundation research and identification of potential funders using the Foundation Directory Online and gives an overview of the Foundation Center's resources available at the Vermont Dept. of Libraries for those seeking grants from foundations, corporations, and grantmaking public charities. When/where: Tuesday, May 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the VT Dept. of Libraries, 109 State St., Montpelier. To sign up, email or call Vance Asselin at 802-828-3261.
BRATTLEBORO MUSIC CENTER SUMMER CAMPS - The Brattleboro Music Center will be offering eight camps this summer with music programs designed for three year olds through adults, so that everyone can experience the joy of music making with others.
- Young children, ages 3-5, will enjoy music, movement, singing, games and stories during Camp Calliope, held on July 28 - August 1, 9:30-11:30 and 12:30-2:30, at the Brattleboro Music Center.
- MADD Camp, two weeks filled with music, art, dance & drama for 6-8 year olds, is held on June 30-July 11, 8:30 am -3 pm, at the Hilltop Montessori School in Brattleboro.
- Children, ages 9-12, who are studying a musical instrument will enjoy ensemble music making with friends at Camp Allegro, on July 7-18, 8:45 am - 3 pm, at Putney Central School, in Putney, VT.
- For 12 through 18 year olds who love to sing there is the Get Real Day Camp held from July 21 - 25, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, at the Brattleboro Music Center.
- Get Real Getaway, an overnight singing camp for girls 15-18, runs 9 days and 8 nights from August 1-9 in Killington, VT.
- Flutists, high school age through adults, can enjoy ensemble music making at Flute Camp on July 7-11, 10 am -12 pm, at the Brattleboro Music Center.
- Cello Camp, ensemble music for cellists high school age through adults, is held on July 14-18, 10 am -12 pm, at the Brattleboro Music Center.
- Camp Andantino, chamber music making for adults, will be held on two weeks; June 23-27, 10 am - 12 pm and 7-9 pm; and July 28 - August 1, 7-9 pm, at the Brattleboro Music Center.
For complete camp descriptions and registration information call the Brattleboro Music Center at (802) 257-4523 or visit www.bmcvt.org. Register early and be sure to add music to your summer plans.
IGNITING COMMUNITY ACTION FOR ARTS LEARNING WEBINAR - Igniting Community Action for Arts Learning, Keeping Art in School's second Webinar, is scheduled for May 29th at 3:00PM EST, 12:00PM PST. The Webinar will feature Varissa McMickens, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, and Erin Offord, Creative Community Liaison for Dallas Arts Partners. Join arts learning leaders to discuss: Engaging communities in the importance of arts learning; Using messages to sustain action; Measuring the impact of outreach efforts. The Webinar will conclude with an interactive question and answer session. To RSVP, please contact Dana Nachbar at 914.833.7093. Or, click here for more information.
APNNE ANNUAL MEETING - Art Presenters of Northern New England (APNNE) invite you to attend their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Marlboro College in Marlboro, Vermont. The focus of the meeting is “The Power of Arts And Civic Engagement.” Barbara Schaffer Bacon will be the featured speaker at this year’s meeting. Barbara directs Animating Democracy, a program of Americans for the Arts that fosters civic engagement through arts and culture. All are invited to attend. This event is sponsored in part by the Vermont Arts Council. Click here to register.
VIEW MAY 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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VERMONT ARTS COUNCIL TRUSTEE RETROSPECTIVE FEATURED AT SHELBURNE MUSEUM - "Warren Kimble’s America" is the Vermont artist’s first major retrospective and includes the best of his folk art works including barns, flags, landscapes, and delightfully whimsical animals. Lesser known recent abstract works, including several pieces that represent the artist's interpretation of the impact of the Iraq war on women, showcase the depth and breadth of the Kimble's talent and influence. Exhibited in the 1901 Round Barn May 18 – October 26, 2008.
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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
JOBS:
YELLOW BARN MUSIC SCHOOL & FESTIVAL SEEKING DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING MANAGER - Yellow Barn Music School and Festival is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Development and Marketing Manager. This is a full-time position that will report to the Managing Director. The ideal candidate will have: A minimum of three years experience as an effective fundraiser and/or experience of marketing; Outstanding writing skills and strong social and interpersonal skills; Experience with an arts-based organization of similar scope; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; Competence with database management; candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative small office environment. To apply, please send a resume and covering letter addressed to Shirley Blanchard, chair of the search committee, setting out your relevant qualifications and experience. Completed applications should be postmarked no later than Friday May 16. First round interviews will be held during the week commencing Monday May 26. The search committee would like to make its decision by early June 2008 and ideally the selected candidate would begin work at the beginning of July.
PUTNEY SCHOOL SEEKING VISUAL ARTS TEACHER - The Putney School is looking for a visual arts teacher to teach academic classes (two in the fall; one in the spring) and two to four evenings per week in digital and film photography at the beginning and advanced levels, during the academic year 2008 - 2009. MFA in visual arts or equivalent is preferred, but not necessary. Applicants should have experience as a practicing, exhibiting artist and prior teaching experience at the secondary school or college level. Responsibilities in addition to teaching will include all class preparation, ordering of materials, upkeep of photo lab (digital and darkroom), supervision of independent projects, student written evaluation, preparation of student work for exhibition, field trips, parent meetings, etc. This is a part-time position. The Putney School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day high school, with a noteworthy and strong program in the arts. Please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to: Brian D. Cohen, Dean of Faculty.
TWO POSITIONS OPEN AT MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE - Middlebury College is currently seeking to fill the position of events and administrative coordinator and Customer Relations Associate. Click here to find out more about both of these positions.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: THE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME AT HILDENE - Hildene is the summer estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, his wife and descendants. With the beautifully restored home and 412 acres of land, Hildene is one of the few estates from the Gilded Age almost entirely intact. Hildene is a dynamic, entrepreneurial institution focused on education, scholarship, historic preservation, land conservation/management and agriculture. The Director of Development reports directly to the executive director and oversees all fundraising activities. Current development staff includes a manager of membership and database. Requirements: Bachelor's degree, excellent interpersonal, writing and organizational skills, the ability to take personal initiative, work in a fast-paced environment as part of a cohesive, dynamic and hardworking team. Must have some relevant experience. This is a full-time salaried position with excellent benefits. Please send letter of interest and resume to Seth B. Bongartz, Executor Director, Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, P.O. Box 377, Manchester, VT 05254.
COLONIAL THEATER IN NH SEEKING DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION & FACILITY - The Colonial Theatre, a 900-seat performing arts center located in Keene, New Hampshire is seeking an technically knowledgeable, experienced professional to supervise all production aspects of live event presentations and oversee maintenance and repairs of the entire facility. The Colonial annually hosts more than 50,000 people with programming that includes Broadway tours, world music, opera, dance, student shows, film and community arts groups. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with the Audience Services and House Management departments. Qualifications: B.A./B.S. Degree in Technical Theatre, related field or commensurate experience. 3-5 years of effective experience in technical theatre. Ability to work non-traditional hours including frequent weekends and evenings. Superior communication, public relation, people skills and management abilities. This is a full-time, salaried position including full benefits package. Send letter of intent, resume and three references to: Gale Saleski, The Colonial Theatre, P.O. Box 77, Keene, NH 03431 or send an email.
PROGRAMS INFORMATION OFFICER AT NH STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS - The State Arts Council has an opening for a full-time Programs Information Officer (Labor Grade 23). The beginning salary range for this position is $38,941.50-46,234.50, depending upon experience. The position reports to the Director. This position, with assistance from the Visual Arts Associate, is responsible for developing and coordinating public information about the agency’s programs as well as overseeing specific programs and promotional activities. Typical duties include: editing New Hampshire Arts News, managing the agency’s web site, developing and overseeing the distribution of agency media releases, overseeing public art projects and fellowship grants, and coordinating promotional events such as the biennial Governors Arts Awards. To apply, complete a State of New Hampshire application form, attach a resume, cover letter, and submit a recent writing sample (preferably a press release, web posting, or published article). Click here for more information.
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:
FESTIV' ART 2008: ART FESTIVAL WITHOUT BORDERS - Quebec's oldest and largest outdoor art festival is opening its doors to Vermont artists. Established 13 years ago in picturesque Frelighsburg, near the Vermont border, the Festiv'Art is a juried exhibition which features 150 artists and attracts up to 20,000 visitors every Labor Day weekend. Application forms are now online. Application deadline: May 15, 2008. For more info, call 450-298-1212, email Eden Muir.
MISSOURI MURAL PROJECT - The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking artists or artist teams to create murals for one of two Welcome Centers. Located in the lobby/entranceway, the artwork should inspire visitors to explore the local/regional cultural, historic, and/or scenic points of interests. The budget for this project is $30,000 per location. The budget includes all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: artist’s design fee, travel, materials, fabrication costs, documentation, and transportation and installation of the work. Eligibility: The project is open to all professional artists and artist teams residing in the U.S. and that have at least five (5) years of public art experience. Preference will be given to artists residing in Missouri. Applicants must be able to work effectively within the project timeline and budget and collaborate with the multiple government agencies. Click here for the complete RFQ. The deadline for applications is May 15, 2008.
HELEN DAY ART CENTER CALL FOR ARTISTS - Join us for The New Taste of Stowe Arts Festival, July 25, 26 and 27th at Topnotch Field in Stowe. Applications are being accepted until May 16th. Last year was an incredible success with over 150 artists and artisans, a separate culinary tent, live music and over 4500 visitors. For more information visit our website, or call Deborah at 802-253-8358.
CALL FOR NEW ACTUALITIES: COCA CENTER FOR OUTDOOR CONTEMPORARY ART PRESENTS, MINUTOPIA NEW ACTUALITIES FOR A NEW WORLD - minutopia new actualities for a new world celebrates the magic and mystery of our viewable world through new artist-made documentaries that creatively explore in minutiae the familiar marvels of our contemporary age. Extending the rich legacy of cinema’s earliest documentary achievements, these new “actualities” offer vivid examples of the hidden poetry and lyricism found in our waking life. Crowds, street-scenes, animals, tasks, transportation, nature, art and architecture – plus curious oddities and events all unfold to offer unexpected insight or passing fancy to audiences of all ages. minutopia visitors may enhance their viewing experience through a customized viewing port stationed within the glorious rustic setting of San Francisco’s historical Presidio Parklands area. Viewings are ongoing and free – with additional educational presentations, materials, and special events included. minutopia is central film programming for Silver Sun Illuminating the Splendor of the Silent Screen presented by COCA Center for Outdoor Contemporary Art. Submissions should be:
- 1 minute maximum duration
- documentary, journalistic, reportage, experimental/personal-poetic documentary
- digi, video, or film
- color, toned, tinted, or black & white
- intertitles or subtitles optional
- silents only
- new works only - to be premiered through minutopiaopen to artists from all countries
- also include minutopia format: DVD, region1 (up to 4 different submissions per artist accepted)
- title
- subject matter (4 sentence max)
- duration
- artist name
- artist location & bio (4 sentence max)
- artist website (if any)
Mail your minutopia DVD & information to: Ellen Lake, 609 56th Street, Oakland, CA 94609. For return of any items, please include a SASE (self-address stamped envelope). Postmark deadline: May 31, 2008. Notification date: June 16, 2008.
CHANDLER CENTENNIAL ART COMMISSION - Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph, Vermont is commissioning a Centennial Art piece to commemorate 100 years of celebrating the arts and reaffirm our commitment to supporting visual artists. We are looking for artists to submit proposals for a work of art which will be permanently displayed within our interior as part of the 2009-2010 renovation of the historic Chandler Music Hall and Gallery. Chandler is a community-based arts organization serving Central Vermont and the Upper Valley region with a year-round series of performances,art exhibits and educational opportunities. The selection process will be in two parts. Initially artists are asked to submit a simple description of their proposal and their qualifications by May 1st. Finalists will be notified by May 15th. These artists will be given a stipend and asked to create an inspiring visual representation of their project for the Chandler Centennial Commission Exhibit which opens June 28,2008. Proposals can be for the area above the renovated staircase to the new lower lobby or another appropriate site within the public areas of the building. Proposals can be made for any medium and there is a project budget of up to $20,000 to complete the selected piece. Application forms and more information may be requested from Betsy Cantlin, Chandler’s Community Coordinator by e-mailing her or by leaving a message at 802-728-9878.
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:
NEA LAUNCHES NEW GRANT INITIATIVE: CREATIVITY/AGING - May 23, 2008, is the deadline for grant applications to a new Creativity and Aging in America initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts. This Creativity and Aging funding opportunity will focus on the disciplines of literature and music. The program, managed by the NEA's Office for AccessAbility, is limited to fiscal year 2009. Projects must be conducted by professional artists and engage older adults (65 or older) as students, artists and/or teachers. Projects must be planned in cooperation with the target population including local organizations that address aging-related issues. Partnerships are encouraged, as is professional documentation. Grants are for $15,000 or $25,000 (with 1-to-1 match). An application in response to this announcement does not preclude an organization from applying under other Arts Endowment funding opportunities. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, the federal government’s online application system.
LPB PROGRAM GRANTS UNA VOZ TO LATINOS - Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB) is accepting proposals from independent producers for the 2008 Open Call. LPB provides support for the production of public television programs or series' that address any subject relevant to or representative of Latino Americans. Most genres will be considered. Funding that ranges between $5,000 and $100,000 will be provided for projects in each stage of production: research and development, production, and post-production. In addition, funding is provided for outreach to bring new audiences to public television. Applications must be received by June 2, 2008. For detailed guidelines and application forms, visit the LPB website.
NBPC SOLICITS OPEN CALL PROPOSALS - The National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) has issued its annual Open Call solicitation. NBPC supports the work of talented makers of quality film and video projects that chronicle the African American and African Diaspora experience. Although funding is considered for every phase of production, each year focuses on a particular phase. This year's focus is on production and post-production. Through the Open Call, producers and directors whose work has the potential to air on national or regional public television upon completion can request support of up to $80,000. Applications are due June 2, 2008. Visit the NBPC website for additional details.
VERMONT STUDIO CENTER RESIDENCY FELLOWSHIP - The Vermont Studio Center is pleased to announce the availability of at least two residency fellowships for outstanding visual artiosts living and working in New England. Artists from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are all eligible. Artists who are not selected for the award will be considered for general fellowship awards. The award provides a month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center, an international creative community located in the heart of the Green Mountains in northern Vermont. A Studio Center residency includes:
- Uninterrupted working time in a private studio
- Access to the counsel of six distinguished visiting artists per month
- Three meals a day
- Comfortable, private accommodations
- A community of talented peers from across the U.S. and arounthatd the world
Residency period: September 2008 through April 2009, depending on availability. Application deadline: June 16, 2008. Notification of results: August 15, 2008. To apply, you may download an application, send an email, call 802-635-2727, or write to VSC, PO Box 613, Johnson, VT 05656.
USARTISTS INTERNATIONAL OFFERS FUNDING FOR U.S. ARTISTS TO PERFORM AT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS - USArtists International is committed to ensuring that the impressive range of expression and creativity of the U.S. performing arts is represented at international festivals abroad.The program works to strengthen the creative and professional development of U.S. artists by providing support for their performances at significant international festivals. Grants are available to U.S. dance and music ensembles that have been invited to participate in international festivals in the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Vatican City. Eligible applicants must be a dance or music ensemble, including practitioners of folk and traditional forms, that works at a professional level; consist of members who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States; and be designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization, or have a fiscal agent that is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. Eligible festivals must take place in one of the countries listed above and be sponsored or organized primarily by a non-U.S. based organization; 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; reach a wide public audience and be open to the general public; and provide the applicant with a letter of invitation to perform at the festival. Visit the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Web site for complete program guidelines.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS - The Endowment’s Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth program provides funds for projects that help children and youth acquire knowledge and understanding of and skills in the arts. Funded projects must provide participatory learning and engage students with skilled artists, teachers, and “excellent” art. Funded projects apply national or state arts education standards. All projects submitted must include experience, study, performance, and assessment. Under the experience category, students and their teachers should have the chance to experience exemplary works of art in live form, where possible. In the study category, students will study works of art under the guidance of teachers, teaching artists, and cultural organizations. Where appropriate, the study component should include the acquisition of skills relevant to practicing the art form. In the performance category, projects should have students creating their own art. In the case of literature, the primary creative activities will be writing and/or recitation. Students should be assessed according to national or state arts education standards. School-based projects are for children and youth in grades K-12 and should be directly connected to the school curriculum and instructional program. Activities may take place in or outside of the school building at any time of day. Community-based projects are for children and youth ages 5 to 18. Activities must occur outside of the regular school day and may take place in a variety of settings. Additional information, including contacts for specific media, is available on the Web site. | Avg. Grant: $10,000 | Contact Info: NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington , DC, 20506.
GUGGENHEIM MEMORIAL FOUNDATION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP - US deadline September 15, 2008. The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation annually offers fellowships to further the development of scholars and artists by assisting them to engage in research in any field of knowledge and creation in any of the arts, under the freest possible conditions. The foundation provides fellowships for advanced professionals in all fields (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, creative arts) except the performing arts. The fellowships are awarded to men and women who have already demonstrated exception- al capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts. Fellowships are not available for students. The foundation only supports individuals; it does not make grants to institutions or organizations.Fellowships are awarded through two annual competitions: one open to citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada, and the other open to citizens and permanent residents of Latin America and the Caribbean. In the most recent competitions, the foundation awarded 190 U.S. and Canadian Fellowships for a total of $8.2 million (an average grant of $43,200), and 35 Latin American and Caribbean Fellow- ships for a total of $1.2 million (an average grant of $34,285). The amounts of the grants will be adjusted to the needs of the fellows, considering their other resources and the purpose and scope of their plans. Appointments are ordinarily made for one year and in no instance for a period shorter than six consecutive months. Complete program information and application forms are available at the foundation's Web site.
NALAC FUND FOR THE ARTS - The NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) has begun its fourth year funding cycle in 2008. NALAC members who are Latino working artists, ensembles and small and mid-sized Latino arts and cultural organizations are eligible to apply. Grants range in size from $2,500 to $10,000. NFA grants provide organizational support to help build the internal capacity of Latino arts organizations, support the creation and presentation of works by Latino independent artists and ensembles, and strengthen communities by investing in the creative and cultural assets of Latinos in the U.S. Applications can be submitted in English or in Spanish. The NFA application and guidelines are available on the NALAC website. For more information contact: NALAC, Elisa Gonzales, Grant Program Manager, 1208 Buena Vista, San Antonio, TX 78207.
LANNAN FOUNDATION - This family Foundation is dedicated to cultural freedom, diversity, and creativity supporting projects that aid exceptional contemporary artists and writers, as well as inspired Native activists in rural indigenous communities. Funding priorities include projects that that encourage freedom of inquiry, imagination, and expression. Grants are awarded in the areas of contemporary visual art, indigenous communities, and issue of cultural freedom. Visual arts grants support exceptional contemporary artists, foster serious criticism and discussion of contemporary art, and bring new and experimental works of art to a wide audience. Literature grants support the creation of exceptional poetry and prose written in the English language and seek to increase the audience for contemporary literature. Indigenous grants support Native peoples in renewing their communities through their own institutions and traditions. Native grants are awarded in the areas of education, Native culture, the revival and preservation of languages, legal rights, and environmental protection and advocacy. The Prize for Cultural Freedom is awarded to recognize people whose extraordinary and courageous work celebrates the human right to freedom of imagination, inquiry, and expression. | Grant Range: $100 To $3,000,000 | Contact Info: LANNAN FOUNDATION, 313 Read St., Santa Fe, NM, 87501, Ph: 505-986-8160, Fax: 505-986-8195, Letters of inquiry accepted year-round.
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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VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA BACKSTAGE BLOG - Burlington High School senior Zoe Senecal is no stranger to the rigors of concert preparation. [Rehearsing complicated bars of music, honing bow technique, watching the conductor's every cue...] The VYO violist has been a member of the organization for eight years, performing with the orchestra during some of their biggest performances - on stages ranging from Carnegie Hall to Shanghai's historic Music Hall. Experience the backstage world of the VYO as they prepare for their final concert of the season. In a special blog hosted by Instant Encore, Zoe shares her observations on collaborating with Jaime Laredo, Sharon Robinson, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz and her mentors in the VSO during the final few rehearsals before the VYO Spring Concert, "Shostakovich Side-by-Side". Simply click on the link located directly on the VYO homepage to gain access to her blog and to behind-the-scenes excitement, chronicled with Zoe's keen observation and unique written voice.
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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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