| | ORGANIZATIONS' NEWSLETTER News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and Creative Businesses of Fairfield County, CT
June 16, 2017 |
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| | 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 550 individuals and organizations. Sign up here |
| | | | ACE AWARDS CELEBRATES KEY PLAYERS IN THE ARTS ECONOMY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY |
| | | With Kelli O'Hara (above) as our keynote, James Naughton as MC, and CT Director of Culture Kristina Newman-Scott as guest speaker, our Second ACE Awards breakfast, June 7, met with great enthusiasm and some strong messages. “I meet with folks a lot that talk about workforce development and retention,” said Kristina Newman-Scott. ”We know the thing that attracts people, especially millennials, is culture. So when we’re talking about economic development we’re talking about the arts and everything that entails.” The 2017 ACE Awards winners were: Spinnaker Real Estate Partners (corporate), artist Shanna Melton, the Silvermine Arts Center (nonprofit), Pamela Kuhn (educator) and Michael Widland, an attorney with Shipman and Goodwin, with the citizen award. Read story here. |
| | SUMMIT ON NAVIGATING FUNDING LANDSCAPE |
| | Given the uncertainty on national, state and local levels about funding for the arts and humanities, the Cultural Alliance called a “funding summit” June 13, to hear from 8 elements of our cultural funding ecosystem: representatives of government, individual, corporate and foundation funders operating at national, state, county and town levels. The audience of some 70 Cultural Alliance constituents heard that while CT support has plummeted and national support is unpredictable, foundations are reorganizing and finding ways to discover and meet nonprofit needs, local businesses generally are holding steady in their support and that individuals (on the whole the largest single funding partner) will generally raise their support. The importance of persistence and honesty in establishing meaningful relationships with potential funders, “inviting them to your place,” was stressed, as was the need to reflect and engage the diversity of our communities and find meaningful ways to measure the impact of our work. You can see a video recording of both panels on the Cultural Alliance YouTube channel this weekend and a report is due soon.
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| | | CULTURAL ALLIANCE HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE ON NEW ARTS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY JUNE 26 IN NORWALK |
| | Americans for the Arts releases a new study June 17, Arts & Economic Prosperity V: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences. The study will offer insights at a national, regional and local level. With data from 341 partners, it is the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted. The local study of Fairfield County was conducted by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, with financial support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts and Spinnaker Real Estate Partners. The Cultural Alliance will hold a press conference Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10am at Spinnaker Real Estate Partners' Ironworks SoNo, 1 North Water St, Norwalk. See the live unveiling of the national report from Americans for the Arts Conference, Sat. June 17 at noon here.
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| | CT CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR CLIMAXES CULTIVATING COLLECTORS SERIES JUNE 23-25 AT BEDFORD SQUARE |
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| Culminating our Cultivating Collectors series, in which the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is partnering with the Silvermine Arts Center, to discuss and promote the role of visual arts collectors in our creative economy, we present the CT contemporary art fair. CT contemporary will presents some of the key galleries across CT, including our members Amy Simon Fine Art, Isabella Garrucho Fine Art, Silvermine Galleries and Sorelle Gallery, and more, offering a look into what is happening now in Connecticut's major contemporary art galleries. Opening Fri., June 23, the fair runs through Sun., June 25, at Westport's Bedford Square. More... |
| | PRESERVATION NETWORK TO HOST SHPO PRESERVATION PLANNING WORKSHOP |
| | Calling all those involved in historic preservation, community planning, community revitalization, land conservation, storytelling, and related interests. The Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is working on a Comprehensive State-wide Historic Preservation Plan to be completed by the end of the year. The Plan will be an intensive level planning document addressing the treatment of the historic and cultural resources across the state. It will serve as a guide for planning and decision making by the SHPO, Towns, agencies, non-profit organizations, and others who may affect these resources. The Fairfield County Preservation Network, a program of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, is hosting an evening workshop at Wilton Historical Society, Mon., June 26, 6pm-8pm, where SHPO is looking to gather input, information, and advice. Click here for more information and to register.
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| THISABILITY
Founder & Executive Director: Jamie Petrone
THISAbility is an inclusive performing arts conservatory and professional theatre company, based in Darien, that serves to educate, enhance, empower, and promote the advancement of performers with mixed abilities, while creating opportunities for FULL inclusion and diversity in the arts! THISAbility's vision is to create a place where children and adults with mixed abilities will be truly integrated into all facets of the performing arts community. Students thrive in a nurturing, competitive environment where each artist is considered solely on his or her merits as a performer. THISAbility will be a place where students of all ages can grow and visualize their true potential, knowing they are not alone and they are equal to everyone else. THISAbility was founded by Jamie Petrone, an actress who, while studying musical theatre at a prestigious conservatory, was heinously misdiagnosed, suffering a near-fatal allergic reaction to prescription medication, that left her in a wheelchair, unable to walk. Refusing the conviction of others that “you can’t be an actress in a wheelchair,” Jamie determined, from that point on, not only that she would become a professional actress but that she would build a path for others with disabilities to so as well. Jamie sits on the national advisory board of Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People with Disabilities, founded in 2009 by the Actors’ Equity Association, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild, to educate the industry and public on the lack of inclusion and universal access for people with disabilities. Read more. See ThisAbility's website |
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| | ❖ See a List by Town of all Organization and Creative Business Members: here❖ See a List by Town of Artist Members: here
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| | | | ROUND-UP OF MEMBERS' NEWS |
| | Congratulations to The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum for its NEA grant of $20,000 to support the launch of Art Opens Doors, an innovative museum education partnership with Side by Side Charter School in Norwalk, "where a holistic approach to learning, centered on the child, begins in the classroom and reaches the entire school community." Building on 6 years experience, the program is distinguished from other art outreach initiatives by direct engagement with Aldrich exhibiting and teaching artists through Museum-based and in-classroom programs. More... |
| | The Barnum Museum's Curator, Adrienne Saint-Pierre (at right) accepted one of the 13 CT League of History Organization's Awards of Merit made at its annual conference June 5. Adrienne won an Individual Achievement award for "her extraordinary life-long accomplishments and dedication to the advancement, stewardship and preservation of history and heritage at the Barnum Museum and in the Museum field."
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| | The CT League of History Organizations (CLHO) has lost its executive director, Liz Shapiro to the State of Connecticut. Liz becomes the new Director of Operations for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Museum Division. Overseeing the four state museums, Liz will also serve as the liaison to the Historic Preservation Council and direct the various day to day operations of the SHPO and Museum division. Her place will be taken by Laurie Lamarre, currently curator at the Fairfield Museum.
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| | | The Fairfield Museum and History Center received the prestigious Leadership in History Award for its exhibition Rising Tides, Fairfield’s Coast: Past to Future from the American Association of State and Local History. The exhibition, recently moved to the new Penfield Pavilion at Fairfield’s Penfield Beach, explored the Fairfield shoreline’s long history of coastal resilience, through photographs, artifacts, interactive displays and documents, and examined how climate change presents new challenges for the future. The award is one of only 48 across the nation and will be made at a special banquet during the 2017 AASLH Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, on Friday, September 8. Congratulations to curators Elizabeth Rose and Laurie Lamarre. See review of show. |
| | | The Greenwich Historical Society and the Greenwich Preservation Network will dedicate a new historic district marker for Glenville that outlines the history of the Glenville Historic District, June 23 at noon. The Glenville Historic District joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is a primary example of a New England mill village, starting with a saw mill built in 1717 and a grist mill in 1718. Glenville has two elaborate examples of mill construction; an excellent example of a Georgian Revival school; and notable examples of domestic, commercial, and municipal architecture, including a Queen Anne mansion and the 1950 modified Georgian Revival Glenville Firehouse. Read more... |
| | | | KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support),which provides free music instrument instruction to Bridgeport students, welcomes Darien resident Steve Mernick to the KEYS Board of Directors. A veteran of Bank of America for 37 years, Steve currently volunteers in the Bridgeport school system in a first grade reading program, as a mentor and tutor for fifth grade students, and through KEYS, as a piano instructor at Bassick HS. Steve is also a Board Member (Vice President) of the Rowayton Arts Center
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| | The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra received the 2017 Arts & Culture Award from the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce in its Small Business Awards. Other awardees were: Community Award: Workforce Partners; Restaurateur: Luis and Kristen Solis; Manufacturer: Commerce Packaging; Giving Back: Jimmy Booth, Booth Financial; and Small Business of the Year: Garavel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Subaru.
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| | | The Westport Historical Society's Education and Program Director, Nicole Carpenter (at right) accepted one of the 13 CT League of History Organization's Awards of Merit made at its annual conference June 5. The award was for the Development of WHS' Third Grade Tour, Exploring Westport History at the Wheeler House. On the tour students were guided through four learning centers to strengthen their visual literacy and critical thinking skills through careful observation of historic spaces and objects from the past. “Winning the merit award was validation for all the hard work and determination everyone at WHS is putting forward,” said Nicole. |
| | Now that you have read our NEWS...
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| Check FCBuzz.org for listings of all EVENTS by our members!
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| CT STATE BUDGET: CALL FOR YOUR COMPELLING STORIES
The CT state legislature is headed into special session to deal with the state budget crisis and the CT Nonprofit Alliance ("The Alliance") is asking that we all continue to pressure the legislature until the budget is passed to make sure that funding to nonprofits remains a priority. However, in anticipation of the possibility that the state budget will not be finalized by July 1st, the Alliance is collecting stories on the impact on our organizations to share with the press, legislators and the public. The Alliance asks for stories that include the numbers of individuals who would lose services or creative opportunities, the number of employees who may be laid off, hours of services lost, etc. The Alliance is planning to release these stories of hardship daily: to the press, through social media, or emails to legislators. The Alliance declares that it is extremely important to them that the impact upon Arts & Cultural organizations receives appropriate representation. The Alliance asks for responses to the following: ● How will a delay or reduction in your regular payments impact your agency and your stakeholders? (artists, audience, employees)
● Are you willing to talk to a reporter?
● Do you have any artists, patrons, families, etc., who would talk to reporters?
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| MAYORS SEE ARTS AND CULTURE AS A MAJOR PART OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The National League of Cities (NLC) just published its 2017 State of the Cities report, that analyzed mayors’ State of the Cities Addresses and catalogued the top issues. Sixty-six percent of mayors indicated that economic development is a top issue for them. Arts & culture was one of the five economic development sub-topics that mayors indicated being interested in, which is a great indication that mayors see the arts & culture as economic drivers and a serious, worthwhile investment. Arts & culture was on par with employment issues, downtown development, and business attraction. |
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| | CONNECTICUT HUMANITIES
2-QUESTION SURVEY
Connecticut Humanities has issued probably the shortest survey you have ever seen: 2 questions. Hoping for the best, that it will receive its State of CT budget line item that funds CT Humanities Grants, the organization wants to make sure that its granting program is still best meeting the needs of the state’s many historical societies, museums, libraries, and humanities program-providing organizations. The questions are these:
1. If state funding is reinstated and Connecticut Humanities is once again able to provide grants, what types of funding support would be most helpful to your organization? In other words, for what things or activities do you most need funding help?
2. Please share any additional feedback about CTH grant making to help us going forward.
You can answer the questions here. Please respond by Wednesday June 21.
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| | | | NEA OUR TOWN 2018 SEPTEMBER 11 Guidelines for 2018 Our Town funding are now posted on the NEA website. Grants will be offered in Arts Engagement, Cultural Planning, and Design Projects that represent the distinct character and quality of their communities. These projects require a partnership between a nonprofit organization and a local government entity, with one of the partners being a cultural organization. Matching grants range from $25,000 to $200,000. Also offered are Projects that Build Knowledge About Creative Placemaking that are available to arts and design service organizations, and industry, policy, or university organizations that provide technical assistance to those doing place-based work. Matching grants range from $25,000 to $100,000. Applications are due on September 11, with funding available on August 1, 2018. Two webinars will be hosted to offer support for the application process (registration will be available in July):
How to Apply - July 24 - presentation on the FY 2018 Our Town grant guidelines, how to apply, and an overview of the review process; and Tips and Tricks for Success - July 31 - presentation to assist applicants in crafting a compelling creative placemaking project application. |
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AFP LIVE WEBINAR: USING NEUROSCIENCE TO IMPROVE YOUR RESULTS NORWALK JUNE 20
A working knowledge of recent neuroscience discoveries can help you raise more money. In fact, understanding consumer behavior can help you raise more money. Using Neuroscience to Improve Your Fundraising Results explores some key principles that influence behavior - and how fundraisers can apply those principles to donors. You don't have to be a scientist to understand this. At the end of this session, participants will: Understand why neuroscience is so important to fundraisers; explore some really curious and interesting neuroscience facts; brainstorm on how to apply these facts to your fundraising program; and learn how to persuade and convince with neuroscience marketing. Presenter Simone P. Joyaux, an inspiring leader in the philanthropic sector, is a consultant and author, teaching in the Philanthropy and Development Program at Saint Mary's University, Minnesota. AFP Fairfield County streams selected webinars free of charge to one location for members who register in advance ($25 for non-members). Registered attendees receive materials online (if a handout is available). Webinar attendance earns 1.0 CFRE Credits. Registration: email mshickey@optonline.net Driving directions to Norwalk Community Health Center here |
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WILD APRICOT GOOGLE AD GRANTS WEBINAR + 4 TIPS
The Google Ad Grant is a free program from Google to all qualifying nonprofits to spend the equivalent of $10,000/month on the Google AdWords platform. Google Adwords is a tool for advertisers to have their ads shown in Google Search results based on search terms. Ads are shown when relevant search terms are used. With over 3.5 billion keyword searches a day on Google, the AdWords audience is enormous and these grants give nonprofits access to those searchers. Using the platform, nonprofits need to discover how to place ads that will get shown for $2 and still have high value for your organization. With endless keywords to target, many nonprofits are unsure where to start. Wild Apricot is offering a free webinar: The State of Google Ad Grants...What You Need to Know along with these 4 Ways to Use a Google Ad Grant to Drive Meaningful Results for Your Organization. In brief the 4 Ways are: 1) Advertise Your Event
2) Get New Donor and Member Leads with Content
3) Use Petitions
4) Test For Upcoming Paid Media
But click on the link to read more about the ways to use a GoogleAds grant - and watch the free webinar. |
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DARIEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Darien Historical Society seeks a dynamic, highly motivated executive director; a leader who is a self-starter with demonstrated management and administrative experience. This individual reports to the Board of Directors (the “Board) and works closely with the Board President and the Society’s staff on an ongoing basis. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall organizational management, operations and promotion of the Society at large. With assistance from the Board, staff and volunteers, the Executive Director provides the necessary vision, leadership and initiative for the Society to successfully achieve its mission and grow the organization as a whole. Key responsibilities include: Administration: Hire, supervise and evaluate staff (Office Administrator and Bookkeeper); oversee volunteers including recruitment, coordination, training and orientation; serve as liaison between staff, volunteers and Board. Headquarters Management: Manage and maintain the Society’s buildings including the museum and barn, keeping them clean, presentable and in good working condition; oversee the buildings’ systems including the elevator, HVAC, lighting, water pumps,alarm and audio/visual and alert the correct parties if/when issues arise; manage the Society’s grounds; working with the Collections Committee, manage and maintain the Society’s collections. Fundraising and Donor Relations: With the Board, develop relationships with donors and supervise the maintenance of complete records of all donation activities; with the staff, manage and maintain the membership database; develop and implement fundraising strategies and coordinate fundraising events. Other responsibilities involving Strategic Planning; Special Events; Board Relations; Financial Management; Legal Compliance; Community Outreach and Education. Requirements: Highly motivated self-starter; must demonstrate initiative; excellent communications and interpersonal skills; flexible and collaborative strategic thinker; management experience, ideally in a non-profit organization; success in fundraising and donor relations; ability to work with and lead a wide range of stakeholders including members, donors, volunteers, Board Directors, community partners and staff. Complete job description available here.
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ARTSPACE NEW HAVEN PRODUCER CITYWIDE OPEN STUDIOS
Artspace New Haven seeks a full-time July-November 2017 Producer for the month-long CityWide Open Studios (CWOS) Festival. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, Jun 20, 2017 (11:59 PM). CWOS includes a central exhibition at Artspace, with one small work by each artist, four consecutive weekends of open houses at studios and spaces across town, as well as a rich array of networking and creative activities and events for artists and their followers. In 2017, these special events may include some of the following activities: a festive, opening night block party, an outdoor artist-designed sound work, a networking event for curators and artists in speed dating format, bus, bike and curator-led tours, scheduled demonstrations of art-making techniques, an event with food vendors, an exhibition of artwork by New Haven Public School educators and students, and a closing reception for artists and volunteers. There will be some smaller, spontaneously organized participatory events (music performances, design competitions, calls for artists, audience surveys) and the launch of our rebranded event website. The Producer may also shape the design of the central exhibition and other audience interactions. The Producer will coordinate his/her work closely with Artspace’s 3 senior staff (PR, Administrative/Development, Curatorial) and will have regular interactions with hundreds of local artists. The Producer will also work with and be assisted by volunteers on special projects such as the bike tours. The four organized weekends are: Westville (40 artists); Private studios scattered across town and accessed by self-guided and guided tours (40 artists); Open Studios at Erector Square (80 artists); and 150+ artists who will set up temporary installations at the Goffe St Armory. Qualifications: Applicants must have experience planning, producing, installing, and executing a successful public/celebratory event and working successfully with practicing artists. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, energetic, and highly organized. Must be a team player and have outstanding writing, communication, interpersonal skills. The ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects are essential. To apply, submit cover letter and resume to: info@artspacenh.org with CWOS Producer in subject line. Please include the name, email and phone for 3 references and their relationship to you. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please. Full job description here. Deadline: June 20. |
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DISCOVERY MUSEUM
EXHIBITS TECHNICIAN
The Discovery Museum, Bridgeport, seeks an Exhibits Technician who would be responsible for the daily oversight of exhibit elements, ensuring they are maintained to a high level and undertaking repairs when required. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Technician will work closely with other staff towards the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibits. Responsible for the daily oversight of exhibit elements ensuring they are maintained to a high level, undertaking repairs when required. Must have initiative, a strong customer service ethic, and the ability to analyze situations and troubleshoot problems that produce appropriate solutions. A general working knowledge of accepted museum/gallery standards in regards to exhibit maintenance and construction, use of tools and equipment, and the ability to research, identify, and procure parts and supplies using online computer and printed catalogs and other sources is required. Must be available to work on Saturday or Sunday if an exhibit needs repair. Detailed job description available here. |
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FAIRFIELD COUNTY'S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation seeks an Assistant Controller to manage all financial accounting and reporting in its fast paced, dynamic tax-exempt organization. The Assistant Controller will ensure accurate and efficient financial operations to provide timely and transparent information to foundation stakeholders. We seek an Assistant Controller who brings strong financial accounting skills and the ability to manage and develop financial staff to meet our ambitious goals. A thorough knowledge of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting, as well as the ability to communicate well with staff in all departments is essential. This exempt position reports to the Vice President of Finance. Requirements: a candidate with experience as a senior accountant or assistant controller, preferably in a foundation or nonprofit organization. The successful candidate will have integrity, self- motivation and an ability to work well with others, and also be comfortable handling pressure and managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines. Complete job description here. Email cover letter, resume and salary to: recruiting@fccfoundation.org
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| | | | | | | | | JUNE
JULY July 24: NEA Our Town Webinar: How To Apply (registration details coming in July)
July 24: NEA Our Town Webinar: Tips and Tricks for Success (registration in July)
AUGUST
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| | 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. |
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