Subject: Organizations' Newsletter - February 1, 2019

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News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and 
Creative Businesses of Fairfield County, CT
February 1, 2019
The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a nonprofit service organization that supports its members through unified marketing, capacity building, professional development, and advocacy services. This newsletter is sent to all who request it - but we ask that, if you are not a member, you explore membership benefits and consider joining this community of  more than 600 individuals and organizations. Sign up here
OUR NEWS
MEMBERS: REGISTER ON OUR NEW WEBSITE
332 of our 600 members have now created profiles on our new integrated Cultural Alliance website - please join them! In order to post an event on FCBuzz Events, you need to register on the new website - here. Register as if you are a new member, using the same email address you used for the old FCBuzz.org as your contact email (call us if you are unsure what address that is) - or else you will be charged. Call 203-212-6894 or email with any questions.
ARTISTS TALK AT SILVERMINE: WED. FEB 6, 11am
Five of the nine CAFC artist members inducted into the Silvermine Guild of Artists, who are showing work at the Silvermine Guild New Members 2019 Exhibition, will be giving Artists Talks at the Silvermine Arts Center on Wed. Feb 6, 11am. Artists Nancy Breakstone, Trace Burroughs, Niki KetchmanSusan Leggitt and Rosalind Shaffer will each talk for 5 minutes about their art in the show and how it fits into the trajectory of their life's work, and will then answer questions for a further 5 minutes. All talks will be video-recorded and will join the videos of the 30 member artists available on our YouTube channel at bit.ly/CAFCArtistsTalk. Limited space but if you would like to attend please rsvp to david@culturalalliancefc.org
https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/silvermine-guild-new-members-2019-opening-reception/
NEXTSPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE
The Future of History
Ramin Ganeshram, Nancy Geary, and Margaret McIntire
Join us for our next Spotlight on Arts & Culture, our live radio interview show on WPKN 89.5FM where we take on The Future of History: Historical Societies in the 21st Century. On Mon. Feb. 11, we talk with three new directors of very established historical societies: Ramin Ganeshram (Westport HS), Nancy Geary (New Canaan HS) and Margaret McIntire (Darien HS). How are they bringing change to established ways of doing things. How can an historical society bring history alive to the young members of their communities? How is history tied into buildings and what can they tell us about the future of the past? Hear what these new directors have to say about the challenges and their plans for their historical societies and their communities. Tune in to WPKN 89.5 FM on Mon. Feb. 11 at noon.
NEW CLASSIFIEDS CATEGORY: SERVICES
We have just added SERVICES as a new category in our increasingly popular CLASSIFIEDS section of our new website. In addition to Calls for Artists, Auditions, Jobs, For Sale, For Rent, and Volunteers, the new category offers services by our members. For members this is the place to advertise for free your services to the public.
Have space to rent for artists or arts events? 
For one hour, daily or monthly?
List your space for free at SpaceFinder CT 
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
– Latest List by Town of Organization and Creative Business Members: here
– Latest List by Town of Artist Members: here
YOUR NEWS
ROUND-UP OF MEMBERS' NEWS
Bridgeport Public Library celebrates the opening of a new full-service branch library in Bridgeport’s East Side. Due to budget cut backs, the BPL had to close the old East Branch Library in the early 1990’s. The neighborhood was served by the store front Old Mill Green Branch until it lost its lease in April 2018. This unexpected loss greatly accelerated existing plans for a new library, resulting in the construction of this recently opened East Side Branch at 1174 East Main Street. For more details please see, Brian Lockhart’s CT Post article: “Bridgeport branch library now open at East Main, Shelton streets”
To the relief of thousands, the Fairfield Public Library re-opened January 29, after being closed for weeks, due to damage caused by a water valve leak on Thanksgiving Day. Many a person stood in front of the Library doors during the closure with sad and disappointed expressions. Fortunately, the Library was able to continue offering library services through the Fairfield Woods Branch Library and through our partner organization, the Pequot Library, while the building was being repaired. The Library's Kershner Gallery's Community Art Show: Nature, also delayed for many weeks, opens Mon. Feb. 4, with an opening reception next Sat. Feb 9, 4:30-6:30pm.
Bridgeport's Klein Auditorium and the Westport Library have announced Learn More About Ita collaboration to encourage patrons of both institutions to consult more books and other library materials to learn about the performers and themes of special events at The Klein. The collaboration starts Feb. 11, 2019, with the one-man play, Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. Written by Daniel Campagna for middle and high school audiences, this will be the second show in the Klein History Theater Series. Each student receives a study guide to complement the play, as well as hand-picked book recommendations provided by The Westport Library. For each event in the series, the information will appear in the library’s newsletters and social media pages, as well as the websites of both the library and The Klein. See the example of Learn More About it for this production.
Milford Arts Council received the Milford Chamber of Commerce's Cultural Contributor award for the mural created on its Firehouse Gallery this past summer. The building was given to the MAC in 2004 to help designate the Walnut Beach area as an arts and business district. After speaking with local businesses, residents' artists and leaders, there was broad interest in extending the Gallery's impact with a strong visual statement. Local artist John Paul O'Grodnick was employed to create this joyful mural that has succeeded in bringing the community together giving a stronger sense of belonging, pride and place. 
The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) has a new Facebook page @rowaytonarts to match the other RAC social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram. This streamlines the message to follow @rowaytonarts with the new tagline “Art Lives Here.” The RAC website is also named rowaytonarts.org. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts!
Westport Library and Westport Country Playhouse are collaborating for the presentation of The Story Pirates Greatest Hits  show Feb. 24. The Story Pirates Play/Write Program piloted in 2003 in Harlem and is now in over 200 schools nationwide (hear a Story Pirates podcast). The performance comes from stories written by elementary students, with plenty of improv. on the spot. The program has enabled thousands of students see their own words and ideas come to life on stage, and begin to call themselves writers. The Westport Library will present (a week beforehand, on Feb 16, 2:30pm, Story Explorers which will include activities surrounding the show’s themes led by staff from the Playhouse and its resident conservatory, Broadway Method Academy.
The Westport Cinema Initiative (WCI) has announced a reorganization, with WCI's President, Marina Derman, serving as interim executive director, as former ED Sandy Lefkowitz moves to serve on its Professional Advisory Committee. WCI has united with the Town of Westport's Creating Acceptance through Purposeful Employ-ment (CAPE), integrating its commitment to train people with disabilities with an opportunity to provide employment for them. WCI's mission is to build a nonprofit movie theatre in downtown Westport, not only to provide a cultural and community hub, but now to provide training and purposeful employment to adults with disabilities. Marina has 16 years of experience as a Special Education Advocate, and 10 years as a management consultant with Gartner Inc. She has an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School and B.S.s in Economics and Psychology from the University of California, San Diego.  She is also head of the Lower Fairfield County Families for Families network. 
OTHER NEWS 
EQUITY, DIVERSITY INCLUSION INITIATIVES

Two initiatives have been released aiming at bringing greater equity, diversity and inclusion into different areas of the arts. 
Orchestras: The Catalyst Fund is a pilot program of annual grants to adult and youth orchestras that aims to advance their understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and to foster effective EDI practices. The fund was recently launched by the League of American Orchestras, supported by a three-year, $2.1 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Orchestras can apply for funds to support the costs of retaining a skilled EDI practitioner to advance EDI learning objectives. League member orchestras have until February 22, 2019 to apply are required to use the funds.  Museums: The American Alliance of Museums has launched an initiative to bring greater diversity to museum boards: Facing Change: Advancing Museum Board Diversity & Inclusion. It will provide a framework, training, and resources for museum leaders to build inclusive cultures within their institutions that more accurately reflect the communities they serve. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Alice L. Walton Foundation, and Ford Foundation funded the initiative with $4 million in grants. "In the more than 20 years that museums talked about the importance of diversity and inclusion, the number of people of color serving on boards has barely budged," said Laura Lott, AAM’s chief executive, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy46 percent of American museums have all-white boards of directors. AAM will develop an online resource center for museum trustees, with case studies, sample documents, evaluation tools, and research on the topic. It will also gather museum leaders to determine the core characteristics of being an inclusive museum and develop a pledge for excellence in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusiveness, and the alliance will incorporate standards for inclusiveness into its accreditation process.
REVIEW OF EVIDENCE:
REPORT ON WHAT SCHOOLS NEED TO SHOW FOR SUCCESSFUL FUNDING THROUGH ESSA

The Wallace Foundation recently commissioned a report that points to 88 studies of arts education approaches eligible for federal education funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)'s standards of evidence. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) considers arts and music to be essential components of “a well-rounded education” and offers funding to help state and local education agencies teach them in their schools. In order to access this funding, however, education agencies must show evidence that the programs and activities they propose can affect student outcomes.  Researchers from the American Institutes for Research scoured through hundreds of reports to find arts education interventions that meet the standards of evidence that ESSA requires. This report explains ESSA standards and cites 88 studies that make a range of arts-education activities eligible for ESSA. 
These activities focus on art forms such as visual arts, music, dance and drama. Among them are arts courses, supplies, professional development for teachers, supports for English learners and extended-learning-time programs. All of the studies cited by the report’s authors show improvements in student outcomes, such as reading, writing, math and social and emotional learning. 
Authors warn, however, that educators must be careful instituting such activities in their schools. Many activities that qualify for ESSA may not fit the needs of the schools in which they are placed. It is necessary to carefully consider the goals for an arts education effort and select only the activities that help meet those goals. Download the report here.
OPPORTUNITIES 
CONNECTICUT ARTS HERO 
NOMINATIONS
MARCH 28

The Connecticut Office of the Arts will again recognize Connecticut residents who are doing extraordinary work in the arts, for the arts, or through the arts in Connecticut. The Arts Hero Awards were established in 2018 and have paid tribute to remarkable individuals engaged in or supporting the arts - some publicly and some behind the scenes.  See the list of 2018 Arts Heroes here. If you know someone who you recognize as an Arts Hero, please take a moment to nominate them for a 2019 Arts Hero Award!  The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, March 28, 2019. The Arts hero Awards will be presented in a special evening event on Wednesday, May 1, 6 pm, at Infinity Music Hall, Hartford CT  This will precede and set the stage for Connecticut Arts Day on Thursday, May 2, 2019. Nominate your Connecticut Arts Hero 2019 here.
Colette Hall, Winner of the 2018 Mahaffey Award
ELIZABETH L. MAHAFFEY FELLOWSHIPS
MARCH 29 
  • The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowships provide funding to arts administrators to pursue professional development activities that will advance their careers in arts administration, including but not limited to staff manage-ment, public relations/marketing, budget management, fund-raising, program development and evaluation and board relations. Eligible individuals will be a Connecticut resident; be employed at a Connecticut non-profit arts organization; and
    have a minimum of two years and no more than ten years of experience in the arts field. Fellowships are non-matching awards of $2,500. The funding period is May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020. Funds may be used towards costs directly related to professional development activities that take place within the funding period, including but not limited to tuition or registration fees for workshops, conferences, and trainings; fees to work directly with a consultant or career coach; and travel and hotel costs associated with attending a workshop, conference or training. Applicants prepare a brief description of the professional developments they wish to undertake and the impact it/they will have. Full Guidelines here. 
2019 ARTS WORKFORCE INITIATIVE
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FEBRUARY 11

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is launching the 2019 Arts Workforce Initiative (AWI) Program that provides internship opportunities for Connecticut college students, emerging creative professionals and military veterans at Connecticut not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations. COA is currently accepting applications from organizations interested in serving as an AWI Host Organization. Selected host organizations will receive a grant from the Connecticut Office of the Arts in the amount of $3,750 and will pay the intern at the rate of $15 per hour. Eligible Host Organizations must be: a not-for-profit Connecticut arts/cultural organization; able to provide an internship opportunity within the following categories: arts administration, arts presenting/curating, media arts, performing arts, visual arts, arts education, and literary arts; able to provide a hands-on and engaging internship opportunity; 
in alignment with, and display an understanding of, COA's READI Framework; able to accommodate an intern between June 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019; committed to ensuring that the intern completes the required 250 hours; able to provide a dedicated work space for the intern. An intern may not work remotely; able to employ the intern as a contractor. A W-9 form is required; willing and able to meet with the intern within the first week of the internship to establish S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific/Measurable/Achievable/Relevant/Time-bound). Establishing S.M.A.R.T. goals will improve the chances of a successful internship for both the intern and the host organization. S.M.A.R.T. goals must be submitted to COA and consistently tracked by the organization and the intern. Apply now; deadline Feb 11.
2018 Ruegg Grant awarded to Wakeman Town Farm 
WESTPORT WOMAN'S CLUB
2019 RUEGG GRANT
MARCH 8
 
The Westport Woman's Club invites local non-profit organizations to apply by Friday, March 8, 2019, for the 2019 Ruegg Grant: up to $10,000 in one-time funding for a 2019 high-profile initiative that make a meaningful difference in the Westport community. This grant, established in 1995 by an endowment left to the club by former member Lea Ruegg, considers an annual grant to a deserving organization’s project that enhances social services, health, safety, the arts or education.  Recent Ruegg Grant beneficiaries include the Westport Astronomical Society, Project Return, Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm. Community groups with impactful and meaningful projects for this year should submit their completed project proposals and relevant financial information by Friday, March 8, 2019 to: Westport Woman’s Club, c/o  Ruegg Grant Committee, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880
NEA CHALLENGE AMERICA
APRIL 11

The National Endowment for the Arts' Challenge America category offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations -- those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Grants are available for professional arts programming and for projects that emphasize the potential of the arts in community development. Challenge America grants are for a fixed amount of $10,000 and require a minimum $10,000 match. Partner-ships can be valuable to the success of these projects. The involvement of artists and arts professionals is essential. Each applicant must present a straightforward project that reflects only one of these three types:
1. Guest Artist project type, where an arts event/s feature one or more guest artists.
2. Collaborative Marketing Campaigns, which may include unified promotion projects and/or cultural tourism projects across multiple institutions.
3. Public Art Projects, community-based and professionally directed. Submit the SF-424 form to Grants.gov by 04/02/19. Guidelines available here.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
NALAC LEADERHIP INSTITUTE
FEBRUARY 14

NALAC (The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures) is currently accepting applications for the 19th Annual NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI). to be held in San Antonio, TX, July 15 - 20, 2019. NLI is a week-long rigorous program in arts management and leadership development that delivers innovative and practical strategies that lead to successful business practices in the arts. The dynamic learning environment cultivates a familiar, inclusive cultural space that provides multiple generations of Latinx artists, arts managers, and cultural promoters the support, knowledge, and agency to confidently respond to and initiate solutions to complex cultural questions. Applicants represent all Latinidades from multiple generations in various stages of career development. We need cultural leaders who can bring creative, strategic, and nimble solutions to the most pressing social problems we face today. We invite you to connect with NALAC to learn more prior to the application deadline, which is Thurs. Feb. 14, 11:59 PM CST. Access and download the guidelines at www.nalac.org/nli to get started.
Professional Development Events Coming Up
Feb. 27-Mar. 1: Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums: Building Museums Symposium 2019, NYC.
May 17-18: State Historic Preservation Conference
June 6-7: Creative Communities Exchange, Montpelier, VT
July 10: Arts for Learning Cultivating Creativity Teacher’s Conference, Quinnipiac University
JOBS                             
ALDRICH MUSEUM
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum seeks a Director of Education to enrich the Museum’s exceptional programming. Successful candidates will have a deep knowledge of contemporary artistic practice and a proven track record developing and implementing inventive and engaging programming for broad audiences. In addition to maintaining our active programs for youth and families, the Director of Education will be critical in conceptualizing and executing engaging programs for adults. As a core member of the Museum's senior management team, the Director of Education will work closely with curatorial staff on The Aldrich’s annual program of activities. In addition, the Director of Education will oversee the Museum’s robust calendar of school programs, which include longstanding school partnerships and an active roster of visits. Working with the curatorial department, the Director of Education is also responsible for the Museum’s interpretive materials, ensuring that the content of The Aldrich’s programs is accessible and engaging. Successful candidates will be flexible, collegial, and able to work collaboratively with the Museum’s team while also cultivating relationships with partners outside of The Aldrich. In addition, they will contribute to a positive organizational culture for Museum staff and volunteers. Qualifications: 5-10 years of programming experience in a contemporary art institution; Knowledge of current trends and standards in K-12 education; Experience with program assessment; Experience leading a team of full and part-time employees. Please send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@aldrichart.org, with the subject line “Director of Education.” Qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
BRUCE MUSEUM 
ZVI GRUNBERG FELLOWSHIP
APRIL 1

The Bruce Museum seeks an emerging scholar to work with curators and educators in researching and developing all aspects of art exhibitions and related programs. The Zvi Grunberg Resident Fellow will assist in the planning and creation of art exhibit-ions and will be responsible for the implementation of related research, inter-pretation, and administrative duties. The Fellow will have the opportunity to curate an exhibition from the Museum’s collection of works on paper. The Fellow will also manage the development and implementation of adult public programs, some of which include lecture and film series and educational special events. This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for object-based research and the creation of educational program-ming. The position includes access to senior staff for personalized career-mentorship. The Resident Fellowship term is 39 weeks, starting July 1, 2019, with a stipend of $25,000 and generous paid time off. This is a full-time, temporary position, 35 hours per week, for 39 weeks. Fellow is expected to spend the fellowship period in residence at the Bruce Museum. Applicants should be currently pursuing a Ph.D. in art history or a related field and recent graduates from an M.A. program in art history or a related field and interested in a museum career. Application must include: 1. A cover letter explaining interest in the fellowship with a personal statement of how the fellowship fits with career preparation, experience, and goals. 2. Complete CV. 3. Two letters of recommendation. 4. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts. 5. Writing sample (less than 4,000 words) from an academic paper or published work. A small group of applicants will be invited for final interviews. Deadline is Monday April 1, 2019. Submit all material to: Kathleen Holko, Manager of School and Tour Services, at kholko@brucemuseum.org. OR Zvi Grunberg Resident Fellowship Program Bruce Museum 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830-7157
JOBS STILL AVAILABLE

Arts for Learning: Executive Director
Darien Arts Center: Office Manager
Greenwich Historical Society: Public Historian; Archival Processing Intern
Greenwich Historical Society: Manager of Youth Programs
MEMBERS: Post your Job Opportunities in our Classifieds
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OPPORTUNITIES CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
Feb. c1: CT Humanities: Quick Grants Application Deadline
Feb. 11: CT Office of the Arts: Arts Workforce Initiative Application Deadline
Feb. 14: NEA Art Works: Application Deadline
Feb. 25: Graham Foundation: Architecture-Based Project Grant Application Deadline
Feb. 28: Digital Learning Day: Register and Be Put on the Map!
Feb. 28: New England Museums Association, Conference Session Proposals Deadline

MARCH
March c8: Westport Woman's Club: Ruegg Grant Application Deadline
March 28: CT Office of the Arts: Arts Hero Nominations Deadline
March 29: CT Office of Arts: Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowships Deadline

APRIL
April c3: USArtists International Application Deadline
April c5: CT Humanities: Planning and Implementation Grant Deadlines
April 11: NEA: Challenge America Grant Deadline

ROLLING
 CT Office of the Arts Arts Access grants
The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are very grateful for the support of our individual and organization members, our individual donors and the following organizations.
Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, Gate Lodge at Mathews Park, 301 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850, United States
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