January 2007

 

In This Issue

·    Quad City Symphony Inspires Students with Worldly Music

·    Afterschool Art Center Program Meets Community Needs

·    Iowa Community Cultural Grants Applications Due Feb. 1

·    MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series

·    Make Your Voice Heard at Cultural Advocacy Days

·    New Language in Major and Mini Grant Review Criteria

·    Meet Brad Lang

·    Arts Education Beyond the School Day

·    Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeships Now Available

·    New Faces on Buyiowaart.com

·    What is a DUNS Number and Why Should I Care? Advocacy!

·    IAC Staff Out and About

·    Eye on Accessibility: Sign Language Registry

·    Grantwriting Tip

·    Advertise an Internship

·    Health Insurance for Musicians

·    Recognize an Outstanding Colleague in Your Community

·    Arts Advocacy Day: The 2007 Arts Action Summit

 

IAC Calendar

Feb. 1: Iowa Community Cultural Grant applications due.

 

Feb. 26: MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series, “Arts and the Iowa Workforce: Planting and Cultivating Creative Workers,” 2:30 p.m., State Historical Museum, Des Moines

 

Feb. 26-27: Arts Advocacy Days, State Capitol, Des Moines

 

March 2: Iowa Arts Council Board meeting, Des Moines

 

March 3: Youth Art Month exhibit opening at State Historical Museum, Des Moines

 

March 10: Poetry Out Loud State Poetry Recitation Competition, State Historical Museum, Des Moines

 

 

 

Ongoing: EZ 1-2-3 Grants. Up to $500 in matching funds to support Iowa Arts Council rostered artist visits to schools, performances in your community, or presentations by artists trained in Character Counts! principles.

 

Ongoing: Mini Grants. Applications due the first of each month. Apply for up to $1,500 in matching funds for arts-related projects.

 

 

Please visit www.iowaartscouncil.org/IAC-calendar-and-events/index.shtml for a complete listing of calendar items and grant deadlines.

 

 

 

Links

 

 

 

 

Contact Us

 

600 E. Locust

Des Moines, IA  50319

(515) 242-6194

 

Office Hours: Monday-Friday,

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

 

Newsletter Editor:

Sarah.Oltrogge@iowa.gov

Quad City Symphony Inspires Students with Worldly Music

The story might start out like a joke: What do you get when you combine two world-renowned musicians with 800 elementary students?

Quad City Symphony discovered the answer in early December when it invited David Bellugi and Ivano Battiston for a Musicians in Residency program at five local schools. Bellugi, an American living and teaching in Florence, Italy, and Battiston, a Florence native, teamed to present what teachers described as “the best programs the Quad City Symphony has brought to our classrooms.”

Bellugi has traveled the world performing with orchestras playing the recorder, or flauto dolce, the instrument he teaches in Florence. Although the recorder was popular in medieval times, its popularity waned in the 18th century in favor of the flute or clarinet, which both have greater range and louder volume. Although today it is often thought of as a child’s instrument, the recorder has many virtuosic players like Bellugi who can demonstrate the instrument’s full potential as a solo instrument.

Likewise, Battiston is a highly regarded accordion player who has also performed worldwide and teaches at the “Cherubini” Conservatory of Music in Florence. Battiston and Bellugi created a CD of their combined music, “Dialogo 2.”

Their visit to the Quad Cities, however, went beyond teaching students about the unique instruments to include stories of world travels and playing the instruments in far away lands.

“Both musicians performed their own solos and duets and told the history of their instruments,” said Deb Sandry, QC Symphony Director of Development. “The programs were exciting, grade specific and truly engaging. Students were motivated to learn more about music and to fill their lives by expressing themselves through the choice of an instrument.”

Lastly, all but one of the schools Bellugi and Battiston visited had existing recorder programs, Sandry explained. When West Music learned that one inner city school did not have a recorder program to introduce students to the art of playing an instrument, the store generously contributed 75 recorders for students to play.

“The Quad City Symphony Orchestra continues to implement a comprehensive music education program to ensure both future audience members and future players,” Sandry said.

Does your organization have a success story to share? Send an e-mail with details to Sarah.Oltrogge@iowa.gov for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue of Iowa Arts News.

 

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Afterschool Art Center Programs Meet Community Needs

In its 16 years of existence, the Pella Community Center Arts Afterschool Arts Center has grown exponentially, providing children, teens, families, adults and senior citizens an invaluable experience that leads to a lifetime appreciation of the arts.

Started by Tilly Woodward in 1990 and initially serving 20 K-12 students two days per week, the program has expanded into a multifaceted venture providing a wide range of educational visual and performing arts programs to more than 15,000 Pella residents.

Through classes, performances, exhibits,

workshops and community projects, the Pella Community Arts-Art Center programs serve rural and small-town/suburban residents, many of whom participate continuously from kindergarten through 12th grade, and even go on to major in an arts discipline in college. Graduates of the Art Center program have opened art studios, become art teachers, or have chosen to counsel children with terminal illnesses.

Encouraging creativity is the Art Center’s highest goal. The process of learning is as important as the creation of a product while partnerships and community support are the keys to the Art Center’s success. Art Education students at Central College get hands-on training working with students or side-by-side with veteran teachers. Parents and community members offer support by volunteering and by donating materials and supplies.

The Art Center program is a tremendous opportunity for Pre-K children to get exposure to so many different art forms- for a community this size I am amazed at the commitment to the arts. -- Romany, mother of Art Center Junior student

Sample Programs at the Art Center include:

·         Art Center Junior ages 4-6 years old Two 1 hour classes per week

·         Open Studio Adults and families 24 hours/ 7 days a week

·         Art Center Seniors, established by Mayor Darrel Dobernecker. In summer, teams with Arts in the Park for a multi-generational learning opportunity.

·         Art Center in the Parks Summer Program Free, rotating program to area parks

·         Art Center Classes All ages Year Round

·         KidTV Teens write, direct, film and edit video for air play on PT12

·         Joan Kuyper Farver Auditorium and Programs: After School Theatre, Tiny Troupe

·         (K-3rd), Junior Theatre (4th grade and up)

·         Joan Kuyper Farver Gallery students have exposure to local, regional and national artists and exhibitions. Annual Exhibition of Young Artists features the work of 300 prek-12th students from the community.

 

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Iowa Community Cultural Grants Applications Due Feb. 1

Communities and organizations intending to apply for FY08 (July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008) Iowa Community Cultural Grants must have their applications in the Department of Cultural Affairs offices by 4:30 p.m. February 1, 2007.

The ICCG program encourages employment of Iowans in the arenas of the arts, culture, and history. Matching grants support organizations and projects that provide lasting employment for Iowans while also enhancing Iowa’s artistic, cultural and historical resources. Eligible projects may include but are not limited to museum exhibits, historic restoration and archeology projects; folklife and other festivals; public art or ethnic heritage projects; and performing arts events and companies.

Local governments and their subsidiaries, tribal councils, and nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations are eligible for cash-match awards that range from $1,000 to $25,000 to fund salary support for new and/or enhanced positions. Applications are available at www.culturalaffairs.org. For more information, contact Riki Saltzman at Riki.Saltzman@iowa.gov or 515.242.6195.

Last February, the Department of Cultural Affairs received 69 ICCG applications requesting $1,166,057. Grant awards totaling $225,000 were made to 17 arts, historical and cultural programs in 12 Iowa communities.

 

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MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series

“Arts and the Iowa Workforce: Planting and Cultivating Creative Workers”

Feb. 26, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

State Historical Museum, Des Moines

What is the link between the arts, creativity and business development in Iowa? Is creativity part of the necessary skill set for Iowa workers? What role do artists play in supporting creativity in the workplace? What is the impact of arts education on the developing workforce?

Plan now to attend this event featuring two panel discussions and a participatory dialogue on issues related to the arts and workforce development. Presented in coordination with Cultural Advocacy Days.

Keep watching www.iowaartscouncil.org or www.culturalaffairs.org for details.

 

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Make Your Voice Heard at Cultural Advocacy Days

What kind of support for arts, culture, and history do you want from your state legislature? Elected officials need to hear your stories, and your voice. Gather with other advocates in Des Moines on February 26-27 for Cultural Advocacy Days!  Beginning with the Metlife Foundation National Arts Forum Series and continuing with a march to the Capitol, meetings with policy-makers, and workshops on current issues, it will be a full and important two days. 

Watch www.culturalaffairs.org for details.

 

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New Language in Major and Mini Grant Review Criteria

Effective December 15, 2006, the IAC has revised the review criteria for Major and Mini Grants to clarify the criteria and add more specific information for each category.  No criteria have been removed – we have simply added more clarity.  For instance, the Artist Grant criteria now specifically address the IAC’s goal of benefiting the creative work of the artist-applicant.  The Public Art Grant criteria now include specific mention of the importance of a representative planning group.

“The changes may seem minor,” said IAC Division Administrator Mary Sundet Jones, “but we think it’s enormously important that grant applicants take the time to be familiar with the current review criteria when they are applying for an IAC Major or Mini Grant, and we want to be sure to tell them when we make changes.”

 

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Meet Brad Lang

 

While the 14 Iowans who comprise the Iowa Arts Council’s board come from all different backgrounds, they are connected by a passion for advancing the arts in Iowa.

Brad Lang, an architect and co-owner of the firm Solum-Lang Architects in Cedar Rapids, was appointed by Governor Tom Vilsack to the Iowa Arts Council Board in 2000, and has served as its chair since 2005. When he was appointed, Lang was actively involved with arts organizations locally, so

it seemed only natural to accept the Governor’s appointment to the Iowa Arts Council Board, where he could be involved in decisions affecting Iowa’s culture at the state level.

“The arts are what make the difference in our daily lives,” Lang said. “They are what enriches us and gives us passion.”

Lang notes that one of Iowa’s great struggles is the retention of youth, and the state’s cultural scene is one avenue that can have a true impact on its creative economy. Throughout the country, Lang said, arts and cultural attractions have become key economic drivers for attracting and retaining youth. He has a particular interest in helping citizens and leaders recognize this as an important aspect of helping Iowa to compete nationally and globally.

When he’s not on the job or working to better Iowa’s cultural future, Lang enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, hunting and fishing, traveling, reading and building projects.

 

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Arts Education Beyond the School Day

The 2006 Legislature asked the Iowa Arts Council to prepare a report describing arts education programming in Iowa that is available to students beyond the school day.  The IAC partnered with the Iowa Afterschool Alliance to develop Report to the Governor and General Assembly on the Status of Out-of-School Arts Programming for Youth. 

The report includes data from a survey of Iowa programs, and descriptions of five model programs across the state. Recommendations include 1) further study of the status of existing programs; 2) a strengthened infrastructure for out-of-school programming, with specific support for arts enrichment; and 3) targeted funding to enhance the quality of arts-based afterschool programs. 

For a copy of the complete report, contact Dawn Martinez Oropeza at dawn.oropeza@iowa.gov or (515) 281-5773.

 

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Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeships Now Available

Master and Apprentice artists wishing to apply for apprenticeship support can now do so within the Folk & Traditional Arts Mini and Major Grant category.  New language has been added to that category’s guidelines and review criteria to clarify this change. 

“There used to be a separate grant category for apprenticeships,” said Riki Saltzman, IAC Folk & Traditional Arts Coordinator. “The bureaucratic requirements were preventing a number of qualified master artists from applying, however. We consulted previous recipients and others to develop a more streamlined application in line with other IAC grants. The purpose of the program is to provide support and recognition for master artists who want to pass on their traditional arts to the next generation.” 

Apprenticeships must follow the IAC’s Apprenticeship Model  Artists interested in applying for apprenticeships should contact Riki Saltzman at riki.saltzman@iowa.gov to discuss their ideas.

 

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New faces on Buyiowaart.com

The following individuals and organization have been added to Buyiowaart.com:

Ames Children’s Choir - The Ames Children’s Choirs (ACC) includes three choirs for boys and girls ages 8-16 with unchanged voices. ACC focuses on the development of self-esteem through artistic experience and is dedicated to promoting musical excellence among the young people of Central Iowa, and to bringing the gift of music to our community. 

Kali Van Baale - Kali is the recipient of the 2005 Fred Bonnie Memorial Award for Best First Novel for her work of fiction, The Space Between, published through River City Publishing out of Montgomery, AL, October 1, 2006. She will also have a short story entitled Behind Lace Curtains published in the anthology The Healing Project: Voices of Alzheimer’s (LaChance Media) in the Spring of 2007. She leads a creative writing critique group twice a month at her church, Westminster Presbyterian in Des Moines.

Karen and Bill Johnson - Bill and Karen Johnson, both lifelong Iowa farmers and coauthors of two nonfiction books, live and work together on their farm near Avoca that has been in Bill’s family since 1887. Here, for the 38 years of their marriage, Karen has kept journals of their lives. In 1993 they published their first book Once Upon a Farm: How To Look, Listen, Laugh and Survive with 5,000 copies going to 47 states and 10 countries.

 

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What is a DUNS Number and Why Should I Care?  Advocacy!

If you’re an artist or an arts organization, please take a few minutes to register for a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number. Dun & Bradstreet maintains basic information about millions of businesses in the United States. When Americans for the Arts counts how many arts-related businesses operate in the U.S., and how many people are employed in arts-related occupations, they base their reporting on data from Dun & Bradstreet. If you haven’t registered, you WON’T be counted!

It is important to be counted so there can be a true measure of the impact of artist businesses and arts organizations on communities and states. Museums, photography shops, filmmakers, architecture firms, performing artists, and more all have an impact on the economy of our state, and on the quality of life in our communities. 

Information obtained in 2006 reveals 4,776 arts-related businesses in Iowa employing 24,163 people. But according to Americans for the Arts, “the source of this data is based solely on businesses that have registered with Dun & Bradstreet. Our analyses indicate an under-representation of nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists.”

Register by going to www.dnb.com and click on “Get a DUNS Number.”

To see how the data is used, see the Americans for the Arts Creative Industries reports.

 

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IAC Staff Out & About

Jan. 4-5: Bruce Williams meets with public art committee developing plans for a Monument to Iowa’s Workers

Jan. 10: Bruce Williams facilitates Art in State Buildings meeting for Honey Creek Resort

Jan. 16: Bruce Williams meeting at Four Mounds Foundation in Dubuque

Jan. 17: Mary Sundet Jones, Sarah Ekstrand and Riki Saltzman attend forum on corporate grant writing at the Des Moines Public Library

Jan. 18: IAC Staff Mid-Year Planning Retreat

 

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Eye on Accessibility: Sign Language Registry

Need to find a sign language interpreter? Try checking the Web site for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (www.rid.org) and do a search.  Nearly 70 Iowa sign language interpreters, in all parts of the state, are listed there.

 

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Grantwriting Tip

Have you met your match?  If your Mini, Major, or EZ 1-2-3 application doesn’t show that you are providing cash or in-kind match for at least as much money as you are applying for, your application could go down the tubes. 

 

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Advertise an Internship

Internships are a great way for students to get real-world experience for credit. They also give nonprofit organizations a way to involve young people who can bring a fresh perspective to the job.

The Iowa Arts Council can help connect students to opportunities in the arts by advertising available positions statewide. To have your organization’s internship opportunities posted with the Iowa Arts Council, please email the following information to Sarah.Ekstrand@iowa.gov:

            Organization name

            Name of internship contact person

            Beginning and ending dates of internship

            Hours intern is expected to work per day/week/month

            Paid/unpaid

            Description of position, including responsibilities and intern projects

            Any other information the intern should know

 

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Health Insurance For Musicians

Here’s a new national resource for health insurance information for musicians especially, but also artists of all kinds: The Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT) sponsored by the Future of Music Coalition.  

A 2005 FMC survey of 2,700 musicians revealed that the complicated process of obtaining health insurance overwhelmed many of the respondents. The goal of HINT is to provide informed, musician-friendly support and advice to curious musicians who need information about health insurance, for free. The project is a safety net for those musicians

who remain uninsured because of lack of support or clear information. HINT is made possible by a grant from the Nathan Cummings Foundation.

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Recognize an Outstanding Colleague in Your Community

Americans for the Arts Annual Awards recognize the achievements of individuals committed to enriching their communities through the arts. Presented each year in conjunction with Americans for the Arts Annual Convention, the Annual awards honor exemplary leadership and innovation in the arts field.

This year, in an effort to better represent the diversity of professionals in the arts field, two new awards will be presented: the Arts Education Award and the Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award.

To nominate a colleague, you must be a member of Americans for the Arts, but anyone may be nominated. To join Americans for the Arts, find out more about benefits of membership or to fill out an Annual award Nomination form, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

 

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Arts Advocacy Day: The 2007 National Arts Action Summit

Americans for the Arts’ National Arts Advocacy Day will be March 12-13 in Washington, D.C. The 2-day conference includes a congressional arts breakfast, arts advocacy training and a chance to meet with your members of Congress. It also includes the 20th Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on the Arts and Public Policy featuring Robert

MacNeil, co-anchor of The MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour on PBS. Individual registration is $75 and must be received by Feb. 26. For information, visit www.americansforthearts.org or e-mail events@artsusa.org.

 

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