| ORGANIZATIONS' NEWSLETTER News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and Creative Businesses of Fairfield County, CT
March 30, 2018 |
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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 575 individuals and organizations. Sign up here |
| | | | SAVE THE DATE ACE AWARDS: JUNE 6 |
| | Have unused space to rent? Or looking for space? |
| | Rent a space, or add your own: it's free! |
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| | | MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL
Executive Director: Paige Miglio
The Milford Arts Council (MAC) was founded in 1971, when a variety of clubs and groups came together as the Milford Fine Arts Council. In 1984 the decision was made to find a more permanent home for the performances, exhibitions, classes and theater that were scattered throughout the city of Milford. The abandoned eastbound train station was selected and after years of fundraising and extensive renovations, the MAC opened the Milford Center for the Arts in 1995. Now restored, and listed on the National Historic Register, the Center offers a proscenium stage with excellent acoustics, seating for 110, a projection theater system, an exhibition area, classroom, offices, kitchenette and concessions lobby. MAC also oversees the Walnut Beach Firehouse Gallery. MAC and the City of Milford came to an agreement in 2000 to develop the former Fire Company #3 building into a community facility to promote the arts in the Walnut Beach neighborhood. Firehouse Gallery includes some 1,000 square feet of gallery space, a second floor for offices and a residential dwelling unit for MAC's Artist in Residence program. Overall, MAC presents community theatre, live music concerts, exhibitions, classes, workshops, films and lectures. It also partners with fellow non-profits, highlighting their missions and messages to share with the public in a open environment for greater exposure. MAC offers support to Milford students through mini-grants, yearly scholarships through the Chamber of Commerce and Devon Rotary, and mentorship to further artistic exposure, experience and education. Relationships with local businesses have yielded sponsorship and investments, guaranteeing MAC's continued success and keeping ticket prices affordable. See the MAC's website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed. |
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| NEW PLAY FORUM
Artistic Director: Laura Stuart
Launching in the fall of 2018 at Stamford's Palace Theatre, The New Play Forum (NPF) will focus on developing new plays and musicals for the Stamford and Fairfield County region. NPF'S inaugural season will include three 'lab', or barebones, productions and two readings of new works. NPF is planning to produce the musical Samson, the comedic Irish drama Inside Danny’s Box, and the comedy Sketchy are planned. These initial lab productions are staged without full orchestra, sets, costumes, etc. They are seen as pivotal points between initial readings of new works to full production level. As the New Play Forum grows, it anticipates staging a limited number of full productions as well some works in neighboring Greenwich (starting with its second season), but will always be focused on the creation and creators of new works. By including receptions, and opportunities to discuss the works with the creative teams at each performance, the New Play Forum plans to build a community among audience members, subscribers, and those creating the shows. NPF believes this area will provide an especially supportive community for playwrights. As a new organization, NPF is especially interested in finding additional founding sponsors, heroes and subscribers (follow the links to find out more). Donations are tax-deductible (to the extent permitted by law) through fiscal sponsorship by Fractured Atlas. Join NPF for a launching party April 30, UpStage at the Palace, with special guest appearances by several Broadway performers, including Guy Fortt, Frank Mastrone and others. See NPF's website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. |
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| | ❦ – Latest List by Town of Organization and Creative Business Members: here
❦ – Latest List by Town of Artist Members: here
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| | | ROUND-UP OF MEMBERS' NEWS |
| | The Barnum Museum is preparing us all for a massive Pechakucha on May 9: a group of people each presenting for six minutes and forty seconds with 20 compelling photos or visuals shown 20 seconds each to make it succinct and fun. The Barnum is calling all creative types to share authentic, personal stories to spark new ideas and collaborations. They are looking for: "Artists, Writers, Dancers, Musicians, History Buffs, Cooks, Librarians, Barbers, Unicyclists, Botanists, Body Builders, Foodies, Teachers, Tattoo Artists..." To prepare, come to the Bridgeport Pechkucha Workshop: Sun. April 8, 3pm. You can attend in person or watch on Facebook Live on the Bridgeport Pechakucha Facebook page. Email PKBridgeport@gmail.com or call 203-331-1104 x100, with any questions.
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| | | Bridgeport Public Schools Performing and Visual Arts Department, along with Turnaround Arts: Bridgeport, is preparing for its second annual “Arts Count” day (ACD) next Wed. April 4, 10-11am. Bridgeport Public Schools has issued a call to artists to spend one hour in a fifth-grade classroom to share their experiences related to their craft. Artists will create, perform, and engage with their assigned 5th grade classroom, calling to attention the role the arts play in our everyday lives, celebrating the power of the arts as an educational tool, and increasing student access to diverse arts experiences. Alicia Robinson, director of the Department, and of Turnaround Arts, Bridgeport, is hopeful they will meet their goal of 70+ artists celebrating the arts with Bridgeport 5th graders. |
| | The Brookfield Craft Center is collaborating with students of Western Connecticut State University in curating an exhibition. Under the supervision of Melissa Ralston-Jones (at right), curator and instructor at the college, the class learns about curation techniques through the development of an exhibition theme, research on various artists, the selection of the artwork, and the arranging and installation of the exhibition. The show they are working on, Redefining Identity will feature five artists, including Cultural Alliance artist member Bruce Horan. More...
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| | Concordia College New York held a March 9 press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 884 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, celebrating the opening of Concordia Conservatory Stamford. Stamford Mayor David Martin, Concordia President Dr. John A. Nunes, Concordia Conservatory Executive Director Kathleen Suss and others spoke at the press conference. Since 1977, Concordia Conservatory has been known for its high quality music offerings in early childhood, youth and adult students and is committed to bringing the arts to all people regardless of age, ability, ethnic origin or financial situation. The opening of the Stamford campus enables Concordia to join the thriving arts environment in Stamford and Fairfield County. Click image for brief video of opening ceremony. More...
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| | Connecticut Trust has announced its annual Connecticut Preservation Awards to be presented Thurs., April 5, 6pm at the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. Fairfield County recipients include:1. Fairfield Museum— for the renovation of the Sun Tavern (c. 1780), and Victorian Cottage (1888; at right) for museum use; 2. Granoff Architects—for 330 Railroad Avenue (CL&P Greenwich Service Station), Greenwich, which Richard Granoff and Jeffrey Mendell converted from Art Deco structure to coolest office building in Greenwich; Stamford Historical Society's Hoyt-Barnum House: Stamford's oldest house was moved and reinvigorated as a museum. More... |
| | Robbin Zella, director of the Housatonic Museum of Art, discusses in the March Bridgeport Art Trail Newsletter, the impact of the recent expansion into 30,000 sq. ft. of space in Lafayette Hall, including new ceramic, woodworking, and print studios, as well as drawing, painting, sculpture studios and graphic arts computer labs. The new Atrium in the building spans three floors and includes a Percent for Art sculpture by Soo Sunny Park and a sweeping lounge space that features sculptures by Bob Gregson, Victor Vasarely and Herbert Bayer. The collections were re-installed to showcase the art in a more organized and cohesive manner. Public areas around the campus will be dedicated to the display of the African Art Collection, Native American Art, Asian Art or in thematic installations that revolve around a subject, such as politics, portraiture, feminism, etc. The Burt Chernow Galleries offer changing exhibitions every 6 to 8 weeks and provide a platform for education and conversation through the art.
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| | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has received continued accreditation from The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for another five years. Of the approximately 2,800 animal exhibitors in North America licensed by the USDA, only 230 – or 8 percent – are currently accredited by the AZA. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium, said “Accreditation is an arduous process that requires adherence and evaluation of strict animal-care guidelines to fulfill the high standards of a premier, accredited facility.” The AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete a rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association. The Maritime Aquarium has been an accredited AZA member since 2013. Connecticut has just two other AZA-accredited attractions: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport and Mystic Aquarium.
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| | | New Paradigm Theatre (NPT), has chosen The Connecticut Burns Care Foundation as its nonprofit community partner for its summer production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Riding on the heels of its sold-out, multi-ethnic production of Oliver-Reinvented (2016) and Peter Pan (2017) at Fairfield Theatre’s Warehouse space, NPT will continue its “collective impact” productions, bridging the gap between the arts and the local community, with the musical on August 18th and 19th. During the rehearsals and classes, youth will participate side-by-side with Broadway pros to create this production of Hunchback, fulfilling NPT's mission of fostering creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theatre arts education and productions. |
| | | | JON PARRISH PEEDE NOMINATED AS CHAIR OF NEH
Artforum reports: Jon Parrish Peede has been nominated as the eleventh chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The announcement comes on the heels of the release of the 2019 federal budget, which proposed eliminating both the NEH and the National Endowment for the Arts. Peede is the brother of Robert Peede, the head of Trump’s advance operations, and a former top aide to Vice President Mike Pence. He joined the NEH in April 2017 as the senior deputy chairman and has been serving as acting director since William D. Adams, an Obama appointee, stepped down in May 2017. Under his leadership, the agency has created new grants in support of infrastructure and cultural organizations affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. He also expanded the agency’s grant offerings for museum exhibitions and initiatives for military families and American Indians. Prior to joining the NEH, Peede was a publisher of the Virginia Quarterly Review at the University of Virginia and, from 2003 to 2011, held senior leadership roles at the NEA. In addition to serving as counselor to NEA chairman Dana Gioia for four years, Peede oversaw the agency’s funding of literary organizations and fellowships to creative writers and translators, and was director of the NEA Operation Homecoming program, for which he led writing workshops for US troops. Hear today's interview with Jon Parrish Peede on NPR's All Things Considered here.
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| NEH, NEA, IMLS, ARTS EDUCATION FUNDING INCREASES
Flying in the face of the Administration's request for an elimination of our arts and culture agencies, Congress sent a strong message of unified bi-partisan support in the 2018 omnibus spending bill. The arts and humanities shared in the spending outlay in the $1.3 trillion budget bill. See chart below for full picture. Grantmakers in the Arts points out the significance of the 150% increase to $1.1 billion for the Student Supports and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAE) program. This was created by Congress, with the passage of the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, allowing school districts to make funding decisions without past uses competing with advancing arts education. With this $1.1 billion appropriation many school districts will see their allocations double – providing additional resources under this program. |
| | See complete chart (courtesy of Americans for the Arts) here |
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| | | | | SUCCESSFUL #CTPLACES COALITION ADVOCACY DAY |
| #CTPlaces Coalition and #CTPlaces Advocacy Day was celebrated on March 28, recognizing the hundreds of special places and critical heritage and humanities organizations, whose vitality is fundamental to maintaining Connecticut’s identity, character, and vibrancy and which root our education and inspire our citizens. Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff opened the event by talking about what the humanities mean to him. The economic significance of cultural, heritage and history organizations in Connecticut was one theme of the day. As recently stated in the Hartford Business Journal's article, Cultural Nonprofits Head to State Capitol Touting $830M Economic Impact, an economic impact study by the Alliance of American Museums, Museums as Economic Engines, reported that museums across the state have created over 10,200 jobs, amounting to more than $550 million in annual personal income.
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| | CT BOOK AWARDS COME TO WESTPORT |
| The Connecticut Center for the Book is pleased to announce that this October the Connecticut Book Awards will be hosted by the Saugatuck StoryFest & Writers Conference in Westport. Westport Public Library and Staples High School have partnered to bring together this three-day event, scheduled for October 12th-14th. The conference celebrates reading, writing, ideas, and community. Internationally best-selling author Jane Green is the festival's first curator and brings years of experience with literary festivals to the inaugural year. Connecticut Book Awards recognize and honor authors and illustrators who have created the best books in or about our state. Entry fees start at $40 for a 2,000 copy or less print run. Award winners receive exposure in Connecticut media outlets and personal appearances in Connecticut locations.
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| | | | NATIONAL ARTS STRATEGIES CREATIVE COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM APRIL 22
National Arts Strategies is seeking applications to its 2018 Creative Community Fellowship program, which brings cultural trailblazers from across New England together for five months to be part of something bigger, learn life-changing skills, and see their dreams become reality. Guided by faculty from the University of Pennsylvania and other experts and leaders in social innovation, design thinking, and creative placemaking, fellows enter the program with an idea for a cultural project that they believe can drive social or physical transformations in their communities and gain the tools, skills, and networks needed to activate their idea. The program begins with a week of learning and networking in East Topsham, Vermont. Each day, mentors, educators, and the NAS team lead workshops designed to help fellows think about how to move their projects forward. Following those session, fellows are given access to online tools, lessons, and discussion to help them advance their projects. All tuition, including the cost of lodging, food, local transportation, and program fees ($8,000), is underwritten. Fellows will be responsible for their transportation to and from the two in-person events, however. The program is open to only those living and working in the New England region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). NAS will be hosting AN informational webinar for prospective applicants on April 10, 3p.m. Applicants must be an artist, community organizer, administrator, or entrepreneur working to create positive community change through the arts and culture and be ready to take their project to the next level. For complete program guidelines and application instructions, CLICK HERE. |
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| | IMLS GRANT: ACTIVATING COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES MAY 14
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting grant applications for Activating Community Opportunities Using Museums/Libraries as Assets now through May 14, 2018. Museums, libraries, and archives, as well as universities and non-profit organizations with experience in museum, library, or archives projects, and expertise in community development work, are eligible to apply. Award amounts will range from $25,000 to $150,000, and a one-to-one cost share is required. More details can be found in the application guidelines. This grant is part of IMLS’s Community Catalyst initiative, which examines how libraries, archives, and museums can work collaboratively with their communities to improve community well-being. “Libraries, archives, and museums have distinctive abilities and assets, such as their relationships, knowledge, and spaces, that can be leveraged to bring about positive community change,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “The word ‘catalyst’ refers to how these essential institutions can spark ideas, energy, and action around a community’s vision.” The grant encourages applicants to use innovative, collaborative approaches and to explore new project partners within their communities. Successful proposals will draw on collective impact methodologies, social well-being indicators, asset mapping, and other approaches from the community development field. In addition to IMLS funding, applicants may be considered for technical assistance through the EPA’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA will provide technical assistance to selected applicants, helping them achieve their desired development goals, improve quality of life, and become more economically and environmentally sustainable. Applicants are encouraged to review the 2016 report and Community Catalyst blog series. |
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| | | | ARTS EXTENSION SERVICE SUMMER 2018 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
Courses offered online this summer are: Introduction to Arts Management
An introduction to the "business of the arts," providing you with an overview of the careers in arts management, the types of work that arts managers do, and the current issues and trends now affecting arts management professionals. Designed for individuals who are new to the field of arts management, are considering an arts management career, or are interested in arts management principles for the purposes of starting one's own nonprofit. This course is a requirement for all students joining the Arts Management program who have no prior experience in the field. View sample syllabus here.
Board Development
This course will examine the role of the nonprofit board of directors, how they can best relate to the professional staff, and how to identify volunteer leadership needs. Recruitment and orientation of new board members will also be discussed. Practical assignments will be focused on your own board of directors or you will interview board leaders of a case study nonprofit organization to fulfill course requirements. If interested in taking a course a la carte, contact AES about waiving the prerequisite. View sample syllabus here.
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| MARKETING STRATEGIES SERIES FOR NONPROFITS
Nonprofits should consider adopting a more streamlined and competitive marketing process that supports and effectively communicates your organization’s purpose. This series of webinars will give you the skills and resources you need to redefine how the public sees your organization. The CT Community Nonprofit Alliance has organized a series of $30 ($55 for non-members) 30-minute webinars that will provide important tools to develop a successful marketing campaign. Click through for more information and to register. (Membership info here)
Session 3: April 10, 2018
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| | | REGISTER FOR CT ARTS DAY - APRIL 25 |
| Registration is now open for the third annual Connecticut Arts Day 2018 taking place April 25, 2018. Connecticut Arts Day celebrates Connecticut’s investment in and support of the arts, and reaffirms the significant role the arts play in our state. The day will include performances, panel discussions, presentations, workshops, networking opportunities and the presentation of the Connecticut Arts Hero Awards. Connecticut Arts Day 2018 will be held at Hartford Stage, Upward Hartford and Hartford Hilton. Register here.
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| | | Coming Up... May 21: SHPO Conference, Rocky Hill, CT #CTSHPO18 Oct 12-14: Connecicut Book Awards: Westport Library |
| | | | ROWAYTON ARTS CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Rowayton Arts Center is looking for an Executive Director responsible for overseeing all operations, functions and activities of the art center. Wanted is an innovative and independent thinker, a team player who will be the face of the organization, responsible for executing the strategic direction and implementing the Arts Center’s mission statement. Principal responsibilities include: management of primary operations including oversight and coordination, with the Board of Directors, of gallery exhibitions, sales, education classes, development and membership and annual appeal drives; financial management to include paying bills, preparing and making deposits, paying artist commissions, inputting income and expenses into RAC’s system of records, QuickBooks, and completing, in conjunction with the Bookkeeper and accountants, relevant tax filings; personnel management including oversight of the Directors of Education and Marketing, Gallery Assistant and interns; business related administration and follow-up; facilities, equipment and supply management; attendance at monthly Board meetings and Exhibition openings. Requirements: previous experience as gallery director or other relevant managerial position; knowledge of QuickBooks or a willingness to learn. The position is part time requiring 4 six-hour days a week and monthly exhibition openings. Salary is commensurate with non-profit director positions in the arts sector. If interested, please email your resume to: executivedir@rowaytonarts.org Subject – Executive Director Position.
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| SAMUEL OWEN GALLERY SALES ASSOCIATE
Samuel Owen Gallery, a widely respected contemporary art gallery located in Greenwich, seeks an experienced, professional, full time Sales Associate with strong art business-related administrative skills. This is a full-time position, occasionally with additional hours for events and openings. The position involves: art sales and the full scope of the sales process before, during and after closing; assist with gallery operations, gallery upkeep, art handling; assist the Registrar with work in art database, web platforms, shipping quotes, internal logistics of art between warehouse and the two galleries; research for and writing artist bios and related information; ongoing updates to client contact list; involvement in planning and participation in gallery events and exhibitions; communication with clients, artists, vendors and business partners; effective communication within the company - with Gallery Director, Registrar, warehouse personnel, framer, art handler, gallery owners. Requirements: experience in sales in the art business or art studio management; enjoyment working in sales and with the public, an engaging demeanor, an innate ability to provide excellent customer service, and being at ease with a high-net-worth clientele; general knowledge of contemporary art, art mediums and art terminology and a strong interest in contemporary art; understanding of the basic principles of art framing and art handling; excellent written and verbal communication; working knowledge of MS Office Suite; facility with art database systems such as ArtSystems or ArtPro, Adobe Photoshop; experience using social media platforms, especially Facebook and Instagram; strong focus on details without losing perspective; ability to navigate a multi-faceted company and to take direction; 4-year degree, preferably in Art History, Studio Art or related field of study. Apply here. No phone calls.
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| | | ALDRICH MUSEUM FACILITIES MANAGER
The Aldrich Museum seeks a Facilities Manager, who is in charge of managing the maintenance of the Museum’s facilities and grounds, both public and back of house. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a pride of ownership for the museum, and an understanding of the importance of safety, cleanliness, and proper functioning of all systems and areas of operation. The Facilities Manager oversees, coordinates, and participates in the maintenance and upkeep of the Museum's buildings, grounds, and mechanical systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Hiring and scheduling appropriate personnel for cleaning the lobby, restrooms, education center, and administration building; monitoring and controlling the building's HVAC and security systems; maintaining the building's lighting systems; cleaning gallery spaces, particularly adjacent to fragile artwork; liaising with appropriate government officials, such as Ridgefield’s Fire Marshall, on facilities inspections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations; procuring maintenance materials; performing basic building maintenance (spot painting, etc.); hiring and supervising HVAC, sprinkler system, electrical, plumbing and security system contractors for all aspects of the Museum’s physical plant; hiring and supervising outdoor maintenance contractors, particularly in relationship to
sculpture and other artworks on the Museum’s grounds, as well as roofs, gutters, exterior lighting, painting and landscape maintenance; maintaining excellent working relationship with vendors and contractors; securing all certificates of insurance, contracts and warranties as needed; participating in facilities expense planning and budgeting and providing assistance in
controlling spending within approved guidelines. In addition, the Facilities Manager will support exhibitions, programs and events, as assigned. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: cleaning artwork when appropriate (in conjunction with the Registrar); working cooperatively with the Museum’s Exhibitions Manager on exhibition tasks as needed; working closely with the Museum’s Head of Special Events and Rentals and Education Department on the planning, preparation and set up for events at the Museum, including set up and break down of furniture and A/V equipment for museum events/programs and scheduling/ oversight of custodial services required pre and post events and programs. For complete job description and skills required, click here. Please send cover letter and resume to: jobs@aldrichart.org, with the subject line “Facilities Manager.” Qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please. |
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| WESTPORT ARTS CENTER MARKETING MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGNER
The Westport Arts Center (WAC) is seeking a Marketing Manager and Graphic Designer. Graphic Designer: design and manage all Westport Arts Center print communications in support of departmental (Visual Arts, Development, Education, and Concert Series) needs including advertising, direct mail, program guides, gallery materials, invitations, calls for entry, and other supporting materials; design and execute updates to WAC website and digital presence, including homepage, calendar, membership and fundraising information, exhibitions, classes, and event registration; assist in the development of WAC branding guidelines for use across all WAC communications. Marketing: Assist with press outreach and press relations; maintain and build community collaborations with other key regional non-profit and corporate organizations; create and manage internal communications timelines; oversee Google Analytics and other analytic tools to assess and improve marketing communications over time; prepare reports for WAC team; manage and optimize WAC social media plan, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram presence and campaigns, in accordance with overall WAC marketing plan; manage WAC e-blast program, including email design, database management, and analytics/analysis.
Desired Qualifications: High level of competency with InDesign and Adobe Creative suite; familiarity/past experience using Google application suite (Drive, Sheets, etc); familiarity/past experience with a CRM/customer database system; able to juggle many different tasks simultaneously; comfortable wearing “many hats” for the organization; strong written and oral communication skills; comfortable representing WAC in community; interest in working in a creative, fast-paced non-profit environment. Experience: At least three years working in a marketing role, including graphic design and print production. Hours Per Week: Between 25-40/hours per week; to be mutually determined. Pay: Commensurate with experience. Please send resumés to Leslie LaSala, Director of Marketing: leslie@westportartscenter.org; no phone calls please. |
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| | | | | MEMBERS: Please post your Job Opportunities in FCBuzz Classifieds: http://fcbuzz.org/classified/jobs/ |
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MAY
JUNE June 20: NEA: Register/renew Grants.gov/SAM registration for July 12 ArtWorks deadline
JULY July 12: NEA: ArtWorks Application Deadline |
| | 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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