Subject: Organizations' Newsletter - November 17, 2017

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ORGANIZATIONS' NEWSLETTER
News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and 
Creative Businesses of Fairfield County, CT
November 17, 2017
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
OUR NEWS
 SAVE THE DATE: SHAPING COMMUNITY - JAN. 23-24
Interested in how you and your organization can work together with artists, arts nonprofits, town planners, businesses, architects and others to shape your community? Save the dates, Jan. 23-24 for the Cultural Alliance's Creative Placemaking Conference, Shaping Community at Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk. With keynote speakers, Kristina Newman-Scott (CT Office of the Arts), Jamie Bennett (ArtPlace America), Jennifer Hughes (National Endowment for the Arts) and Patrick McMahon (CT Main Street Center), one day exploring the impact of Public Art, Artist Residencies, Artists Spaces, and New Narratives for our Towns, and one full day of workshops creating grant proposals to actively shape our communities.
DRIVETIME WPKN E-BUZZ ANNOUNCEMENTS RESUME
We’re pleased to announce that our 2-minute “Drivetime” selections from the week’s E-Buzz have resumed on WPKN 89.5 FM and wpkn.org. These selections, announcing 5 or 6 of our selected events each week from FCBuzz.org postings, can be heard as PSAs during drive time: 7-9am and 4-7pm, weekdays.
ARTS & ECONOMIC IMPACT FACT 1
First in a continuing series
Fairfield County nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences spent $235.2 million in the County in 2015. That's more than several states, and 30% of all of Connecticut.
Source: Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in Fairfield County.
SPECIAL PRINT/GRAPHICS DEAL THROUGH CAFC
Dot Generation is a full service graphic communications company specializing in print, mail, graphics and signage. With a long standing commitment to supporting and working with the nonprofit community Dot Generation is a great resource to partner with for all of your events, annual appeals and general print and mailing needs. Contact us to find out about Charity Auction Program, Charity Partnership Program and special nonprofit discounts on projects. Be sure to mention Cultural Alliance when contacting them: 203-967-8112; david@dotgeneration.com
Studio A at The Studio Ballet School, Norwalk 1640 sq. ft. Sprung marley covered floor, mirrored wall 39ft, dressing rooms, bathrooms, wall mounted barres, freestanding barres, wifi access, wall mounted HD TV with DVD player, stereo with auxiliary and CD capabilities. Free parking on site with handicap access. Chairs and benches available. Central heat/AC with windows that can open in studio.
One of 77 art spaces (and counting...) on SpaceFinder CT 
Check it out, rent a space, or add your own: it's free!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
AUSTIN PATTERSON DISSTON - ARCHITECTS

A Creative Business Member

Austin Patterson Disston Architects is a full-service architectural and planning firm with offices in Southport, and Quogue, Long Island. Founded in 1982, the firm includes three partners: McKee Patterson, AIA, Stuart Disston, AIA, LEED GA, and David Austin, AIA, and a staff of 23: 6 registered architects, 2 LEED accredited and 12 architects/designers. The firm’s work is largely focused on bespoke projects, residential, hospitality and private clubs. "We feel confident doing a broad spectrum of styles and types: renovations, restorations, additions, apartments and new residences," notes Mr. Patterson. APDA's design approach respects the integrity of both the built and natural contexts that make every building site unique. The partnership brings to each project a thorough knowledge and under-standing of architectural precedent and fresh design solutions that are appropriate to a project’s context and responsive to the clients’ needs and aspirations. Among their many awards are the AIA/CT Alice Washburn Award (2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2010) for traditional residential Connecticut architecture; Innovative Design Awards from CTC&G (2016, 2012, 2010); the A-List AtHome Award ("celebrating the best in interior design, architecture and landscape design in Fairfield County") in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016; and from the New Canaan Preservation Alliance in 2009 and 2014.  See the APDA website.
SUSTAINNE

A Creative Business Member

Sustainne is a newly launched company that connects consumers and local green businesses to promote sustainable living. It was founded by two sustainable food advocates and entrepreneurs: Analiese Paik, founder of the award-winning Fairfield Green Food Guide, and Amy Kalafa, award-winning documentary filmmaker and producer of Two Angry Moms. Sustainne is an online destination and community dedicated to every aspect of sustainable living. With a mission to unite, nurture, and grow a community dedicated to sustainable living, its vision is to help create and sustain a prosperous New Economy that uses natural capital to support human needs and regenerate natural resources for the future. Sustainne helps consumers easily find products and services from local businesses and nonprofits that align with their interests, values and sustainable lifestyles. Site users can browse business categories, including Arts & Entertainment, to explore and get inspired, or search by location and keyword. Visitors can find everything from artists who create gallery-worthy pieces from recycled plastic, to organic dry cleaners and composting services. Businesses and nonprofit organizations join Sustainne to surface their brands; engage with conscious consumers via their interactive, multimedia listings; and network with like-minded businesses on the Business Members Only Facebook page. See the Sustainne website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.
WESTPORT SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Executive Director: Sarah Miller

The Westport School of Music was the creation of Marguerite Maxwell, who envisioned a unique method of providing musical training for youngsters in the community. The School opened in 1938 on Hillspoint Road, Westport with two teachers and some 40 students. Eight years later, when Mrs. Maxwell purchased the present property on Woods Grove in 1946, there were nine faculty and over 100 students: the School had rapidly become an important cultural and educational asset in the community. Concert pianist Richard Gregor joined the faculty as Artist-Teacher in 1958, and quickly established a Scholarship Fund in 1960 that has granted over $140,000 in aid to more than 500 students. Gregor became Associate Director in 1960, and Director in 1972, following Mrs. Maxwell’s death. Martha Hisey joined the piano faculty in 1971, and was named Associate Director in 1974. She  assumed responsibility for the Junior School, and conceived and organized special events – the Bach 300th Birthday Concert and the first Student Chamber Music Festival. She was appointed Director in 1987, following the death of Richard Gregor. She established the MusicWorks! program in 1995 - Therapy Classes for those with special needs - made possible with grants from Newman's Own, Near and Far Aid Organization, FCCF, and donations from parents and friends of the school. Hisey retired this year, after 46 years of service. The new director is Sarah Miller (see Members News).The current faculty of 15 come from some of the most prestigious conservatories and music schools in the nation, and teach piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, acoustic guitar, electric bass and voice. See the WSM website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.
X.PO.ZUR GALLERY

A Creative Business Member
Founder/Director: Mark Krueger

Westport’s newest gallery, X.po.zur is the loving creation of Mark Krueger who has dreamed of having a place along the river in Westport where artists from many disciplines could feel at home, gather, and share their talents and gifts and where the public could enjoy the space and the talents and gifts being shared by the artists. The gallery opened this summer on the Saugatuck River at 263 Riverside Avenue, and Mark intends it to be a participatory space: a place to be used by musicians, culinary artists, visual artists, writers, poets. He says, “While our relationship with established art collectors is more definitive and specialized, our community mission is to create a more complete gallery experience within an interactive framework.”  Mark is also an artist, under the pseudonym, Armando Bertoli, “painting in stone” and delighting in working with area designers to use onyx, marble, sandstone, and quartzite in interesting, dynamic ways to “create order, surprise and delight in interior spaces.” See the X.po.zur website, and Facebook page
– See Latest List by Town of Organization and Creative Business Members: here
– See Latest List by Town of Artist Members: here
YOUR NEWS
ROUND-UP OF MEMBERS' NEWS
The Glass House, celebrating the 10th anniversary of its opening as a public museum and site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2017, looks forward to a number of new projects, most importantly the beginning of the restoration of the Brick House. Designed as part of the original composition of the site by Philip Johnson in 1949, the Brick House serves as a counterpoint to the transparency of the Glass House. It has been closed to the public since 2008 due to extensive water damage. In other preservation initiatives, the Glass House made significant progress in completing the final phase of a multi-year restoration of the Sculpture Gallery, and in December will begin the replacement of the Glass House ceiling.
Music for Youth announced the results of its Marianne Liberatore Instrumental Scholarship Competition. Madison Howard, Julian Shively and Cameron Chase were the three top finalists of the Competition that took place on Sunday, Nov. 12th at Pequot Library. These three seniors will be featured in the Emerging Artist Series at Pequot Library in the winter and spring of 2018. Madison Howard and Julian Shively received cash prizes of $1,000. Nicholas Attkiss, Cassandra Marcusen and Rachel Li received honorable mention.
The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (NSO) will be accompanying two "Nutcrackers" this season. The first is with the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet at the Wall Street Theater. This is notable both as it will be the first Nutcracker to be performed on that 100-year-old stage, and as it completely sold out within 4 hours of tickets being sold (an extra matinee was added)! The second NSO collaboration is four performances of the Nutcracker produced by the New England Academy of Dance and New England Dance Theater (in the New Canaan High School Auditorium)- the first time the Academy has danced Nutcracker to live orchestral accompaniment.
Ridgefield Playhouse marks the start of its 17th season this Fall with a Gala Nov. 19, starring Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra, and honoring Nick and Anita Donofrio, patrons and supporters of many non-profits in Ridgefield. The Playhouse’s Arts Volunteer award will be presented to Kerry Anne Ducey, founder and CEO of HamletHub, who has used her talents to create an award-winning local social network for our communities. At right gala honorees Nick and Anita Donofrio, Allison Stockel and Kerry Anne Ducey of HamletHub.
Furthering its interest in collaborating with other nonprofits, Westport Arts Center (WAC) has announced a new Facility Grant Partnership program designed to enable local non-profit organizations to use the WAC gallery for their events at no financial cost. The goal is to be a gathering place for the community, where nonprofit organizations and community leaders can continue to work together to support and enrich our region. This is for Fairfield County, not just Westport-based, organizations. See the online application here. Partner organizations agree to supply volunteers and promotional support to WAC throughout the year in exchange for use of the space and WAC memberships.
A new member, The Westport School of Music, earlier this year welcomed its new executive director, Sarah Miller (at right). Sarah is the 4th director in WSM's 79-year history since its founding in 1938. Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and a master’s degree in arts administration from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and was previously served as executive director for the Richmond, Indiana, Symphony and the Ridgefield Symphony. She follows in the footsteps of Martha Hisey, who retired this year after 46 years with the School.
 See Updated List by Town of all Organization and Creative Business Members
See Updated List by Town of Artist Members
OTHER NEWS                  
WALLACE STUDY REPORTS
HOW ESSA CAN FUND
ARTS INTEGRATION

44 Arts Integration Activities Could Qualify for Funding

The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) introduces several new funding streams that states and districts can use to improve schools, including 12 that could be used to support arts integration. (Arts Integration is defined as a specific approach, set of activities, strategy, or program, linking arts with at least one other subject to improve student and school-related outcomes.) But in order to access those funding streams, education agencies must cite evidence demonstrating that the efforts they propose can, in fact, improve student achievement. Now, a new literature review from The Wallace Foundation explores research available on arts integration activities and finds 44 activities that could qualify for ESSA funding. Interventions, such as those that use music to teach students fractions, drama to help improve vocabulary and dance to teach kindergarteners to read. The report cautions: There are no ESSA funds earmarked for arts integration, so applicants must clearly explain how their proposed arts-integration interventions relate to their broader goals for their schools. Report highlights include: ESSA addresses the issue of arts education—and, more specifically, arts integration—in several ways. It maintains an emphasis throughout its varied funding streams on ensuring that students have access to a “well-rounded education,” which, according to the law, can include “the arts” and “music” along with other subjects. Title IV of ESSA explicitly identifies programs in the arts and arts integration as allowable activities, and it provides for dedicated assistance for arts education. ESSA also offers funding for arts integration interventions that address the needs of specific student subgroups, such as economically disadvantaged students and English learners. Evidence of the effects of arts integration on student outcomes exists at all four ESSA evidence tiers. However, most arts integration interventions included in this review are supported by Tier IV evidence only. (Tier IV evidence must “demonstrate a rationale” that an intervention is “likely to improve student outcomes or other relevant outcomes,” and it must be coupled with “ongoing efforts to examine the effects” of the intervention.) Download the full report here.

HOUSE TAX BILL PASSES
THREATENS
ALL NONPROFITS

Courtesy, Americans for the Arts
Yesterday, the U.S. House voted along party-lines to pass their tax reform bill (H.R. 1) by a vote of 227-205. The bill contains a number of provisions harmful to charitable organizations and the arts:
 Overwhelming majority of taxpayers would no longer have access to make tax-deductible charitable contributions. That charitable tax deduction would be limited to the wealthiest 5% of taxpayers.
 Repeal of the historic tax credit.
 Entertainment, amusement, recreation and membership dues expenses related to a business purpose or meeting would be repealed.
 Doubling exemptions and ultimate full repeal of the estate tax, which has historically generated major gifts to charities.
 Elimination of the teacher supplies and instructional materials deduction.
 Repeal of options to treat musical compositions and copyrights in musical works as capital assets.
In sum, Congress is rushing to pass far-reaching tax reform that would have a very negative impact on charitable giving. The latest analysis of the House bill by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimates that charities, including nonprofit arts organizations, could see a staggering loss of up to $20 billion annually. The resulting loss in charitable giving will cause significant consequences for the health of America's nonprofit organizations and the communities we serve.
Latest Timeline: Meanwhile, the Senate is working on a separate bill. This week, the Senate is continuing its consideration in committee, including working through hundreds of amendments.  Now that the House has passed their bill, the Senate anticipates passing their version after the Thanksgiving holiday. These actions will set up a negotiation between the House and Senate. All of this work is an attempt to pass a final bill before the end of the year.
What You Can Do
Congress needs to hear from you. Make your voice heard via this easy-to-complete form. Tax reform happens once in a generation. For over 100 years, the U.S. tax code has encouraged charity, benefiting the millions of Americans who access services provided by nonprofit organizations. Help #ProtectGiving.
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ARTS
CONNECTICUT HAS A BUDGET!

After months of negotiations, Connecticut has a budget! The Connecticut Office of the Arts (Arts Commission) received an allocation in the state budget in the amount of $1,497,298 which is level funding from FY17. Final decisions regarding our FY18 grant programs including Supporting Arts in Place, Arts Projects, Regional Initiative, Arts Learning and Artist Fellowship, will be made in the near future. For details on DECD/COA's operating budget, please see Section 1 (Pages 9 & 10) of Public Act No. 17-2: An Act Concerning the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2019.

2018 CONNECTICUT ARTS DAY
SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 25, 2018

COA in partnership with the State's nine Regional Service Organizations and the Connecticut Arts Alliance will presents Connecticut Arts Day 2018 on 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 includes networking opportunities and a selection of workshops, performances, and interactive opportunities. The theme for 2018 will be Resiliency!

KRISTINA NEWMAN-SCOTT TO SERVE ON NASAA 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kristina Newman-Scott, has been selected to serve on the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies' board of directors. State arts agencies elected Kristina and other exemplary leaders at the NASAA 2017 Leadership Institute in Portland, Oregon. The NASAA board is both the governing body of NASAA as a nonprofit professional association, and a nationally representative policy board that works on behalf of public funding for the arts for all American communities. The board includes representatives from 20 states and U.S. jurisdictions who come together to encourage state and federal support for the arts and to broaden opportunities for arts participation across America in geographically, artistically, culturally and economically diverse settings.

ART CAN CHANGE LIVES
For more than a dozen years, the Connecticut Department of Correction has been working with the Judy Dworin Performance Project on innovative arts projects that help people in and out of prison heal and re-enter society. Making Me Whole. Prison, Art & Healing is a 30-minute documentary that follows teaching artists as they partner with social workers and use movement, song and the spoken word in the rehabilitation process. We invite you to take a moment to view the video, a production of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network and the Judy Dworin Performance Project.
RESOURCES AND
SCORE
FIVE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL NONPROFIT FUNDRAISING
NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY
DECEMBER 5

A free Fairfield County SCORE Small Business Workshop co-sponsored by The Norwalk Public Library, is being offered Tues. Dec. 5. The Five Keys to Successful Non-Profit Fund Raising. Learn how relationships drive giving to your nonprofit organizations and how to manage them. Also learn:
● The importance of developing relationships with prospective donors
● How to approach/develop a relationship with external partners and donors
● How to manage multiple relationships for nonprofits & make the relationships beneficial for your organization and donors.
The presenter, Raquel Virgo has over a decade of experience in fundraising for nonprofits, raising more than $30 million for various causes. She is the Founder and Managing Consultant of a fundraising consulting firm, Women of Change. She is also a current member of the Fairfield County chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, board member of the PTO Council of Stamford, and a graduate of the competitive start-up accelerator, 2020 Startups in New York City. You can register for this free event here.
FCCF
LEGISLATIVE FORUMS

Fairfield County's Community Foundation is organizing a series of Legislative Forums to help "build the relationships, knowledge, and skills for you to be a better advocate for your organization and the communities you serve" and enable you to directly connect with your state and local officials on issues affecting our region. FCCF is charging $15 for participation in these legislative forums.
● Greater Norwalk: Dec. 12, 9-11am.
FCCF, 40 Richards Ave, Norwalk. Confirmed legislators include Senator Toni Boucher, Senator Bob Duff, Rep. Gail Lavielle, Rep. Fred Wilms, Rep. Terrie Wood, and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. $15. Register 
●  Greater Stamford: Dec. 14, 9-11am
At UConn Stamford. Confirmed legislators include Senator Scott Frantz, Rep. Caroline Simmons, Rep. Fred Camillo, Rep. William Tong, and Stamford Mayor David Martin. $15. Register
●  Greater Bridgeport: Jan. 16, 2018, 9-11am. At Housatonic Community College.  Confirmed legislators include Senator Ed Gomes, Rep. Steven Stafstrom, Rep. Brenda Kupchick, Rep. Laura Devlin, and Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey. $15. Register
●  Greater Danbury: Jan. 18, 2018
At Family & Children’s Aid, 80 West Street
Danbury. Confirmed legislators include Senator Toni Boucher, Rep. Adam Dunsby, Rep. Michael Ferguson, Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, Rep. William Duff, Rep. J.P. Sredzinski, and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. $15. Register
THE EXPERTS' GUIDE TO MARKETING THE ARTS

In 2015, the average human attention span shortened to only 8 seconds. Even the goldfish outlasted us at 9! With audiences overwhelmed and distracted by constant information, arts organizations struggle to make a lasting impression. This fall, Americans for the Arts released the 3rd edition of The Experts' Guide to Marketing the Arts, an overview of the many ways arts organizations can more effectively market themselves and break through the clutter. Broken up in bite-sized chunks and designed for the on-the-go professional, each section offers useful takeaways that can make a big impact. Want more attention on Facebook? Try after lunch—the highest traffic occurs mid-week between 1pm and 3pm. The checklist for great content? Follow the TRUTH test: Topical, Relevant, Unusual, Trouble and Human. The Experts' Guide to Marketing the Arts gives you the tools to develop an effective marketing strategy, attract new audiences, and ultimately, increase participation and revenue.
Chapters cover:
● Content Marketing
● Website Management
● Email Marketing
● Social Media Marketing
● Blogs, Podcasts and Video
● Search and Display Advertising
● Press and Public Relations
● Quantitative and Qualitative Research and Databases
Visit AmericansForTheArts.org/Bookstore to purchase digital and physical copies of The Expert's Guide to Marketing the Arts! $50 ($55 for non-members)

WILD APRICOT SELECTION OF FREE WEBINARS 
IN NOVEMBER

Our selection from the Wild Apricot list of free webinars available. For the complete list of 56 free webinars compiled by Wild Apricot from many sources click here 

November 20 and 27, 1pm
Every Monday we share your wins, feature a special guest with a quick tip to get your week started right, and close with Q&A.

Turn Your Website Into a Membership Growth Engine
November 30, 2pm
Make your membership website an engine that brings in new members while you sleep.  (Wild Apricot)

Procrastinators Unite! Last-Minute Strategies for Year-End Giving
November 30, 1pm
Key things to maximize your fundraising now: identify action steps for a last minute year-end plan; identify at least one low- or no-cost tactic to implement before Dec. 31; develop a checklist to avoid last minute planning next year! (GoalBusters)


Data Maturity: How to Keep Improving Your Approach to Data
November 30, 2pm
Identify where your nonprofit is on the data spectrum and how to move up to the next level. Why a data-driven culture is important and how you can nuture data champions across your organization. (Idealware)


FCCF FUNDRAISING CALENDAR
Planning a Fundraising Event? Be sure not to conflict with others by consulting FCCF's Fundraising Event Calendar. Plan ahead, consult the FCCF Calendar, and then submit your event.
REGISTERED FOR GIVING DAY 2018?
Over 115 nonprofits have registered for Fairfield County's Giving Day, taking place on March 1, 2018. Are you one of them? Visit FCGives.org to sign up today and be part of our region's largest philanthropic event that has raised over $4.5 million for 667 nonprofits!

Coming Up...
Nov. 30: The Alliance Annual Conference: From Collaboration to Collective Impact, Hartford
March 12-13: National Arts Advocacy Day, Washington DC.
OPPORTUNITIES AND FUNDING 
NETWORK OF ENSEMBLE THEATRES
EXCHANGE GRANTS
DECEMBER 15

The Network of Ensemble Theatres' Travel & Exchange Network (NET/TEN) prioritizes relationship building and knowledge sharing among its members. NET/TEN Exchange grants are intended to create new opportunities for reciprocal exchanges with peers and colleagues to share information, techniques, inspiration, expertise, and performances among ensembles to strengthen the work of individual ensembles and the field as a whole. NET/TEN grants encourage open-ended explorations without the pressure of finished products or projects; they are designed to be flexible and to support a wide range of activities. NET/TEN Exchange Grants build on and deepen existing relationships through shared activity and peer-to-peer learning. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, and require a 1:1 match Activities must occur in U.S. Over the past five years, NET has awarded $650K to 141 projects to support relationship building and knowledge sharing among NET members, ensembles, and independent artists, as well as cross-sector and cross-discipline partners. NET/TEN grants encourage open-ended explorations without the pressure of finished products or projects; they are designed to be flexible and to support a wide range of activities. For membership click here. Download application guidelines for exchange grants here.
BURNING MAN GLOBAL ARTS GRANTS
 DECEMBER 20

Burning Man is accepting letters of intent for Global Art Grants. This program funds highly interactive, community-driven works of art that prioritize community involvement in their development, execution and display. Burning Man funds art that is accessible to the public, civic in scope and prompts the viewer to act. It likes art that can be experienced in more ways than visually — art that is touched, heard or experienced as well as viewed. It prioritizes funding art that involves the audience in its conception, creation and presentation. The program’s impact is driven by a willingness to take risks and be the first to give a grant to a project or to work with artists and projects that other funders might avoid as well as a focus on community-driven processes that have effects far beyond the artwork itself. This program does not fund art headed to the Burning Man event in Black Rock City. grants range between $500 and $10,000, and we most commonly award between $3000 and $6000. Many of our grantees receive funding from other sources, aside from this grant. Applying for partial funding or a matching grant to funds you’ve received from other sources is encouraged. While we typically fund only a portion of a project, we do occasionally fund 100% of a project’s budget.” For more information and details about submitting a letter of intent, click hereDeadline: December 20, 2017
And Don't Forget...
Dec. c1: New England Touring (NEST) Grant Deadline for projects after March 1, 2018
Dec. c1: IMLS Museums for America Grant Application Deadline
Dec. 15: CT Office of the Arts: Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Deadline
Open: CT Humanities CT 1818 Constitution Celebration Grants
JOBS                             
SHAKESPEARE ON THE SOUND
MANAGING DIRECTOR

Shakespeare on the Sound (SOS), Connecticut’s premier outdoor theater company, is seeking a Managing Director, who can take on a wide range of strategic and tactical responsibilities. The Artistic Director and the Managing Director together report directly to the board. Responsibilities include: Executive Management: With the board of directors and Artistic Director, ensure that SOS has a long-range strategy which achieves our mission, and toward which we make consistent and timely progress; manage all day-to-day operations of the organization, recruiting and supervising staff to implement all program; maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations; with the Artistic Director, Producer and the Board, create, coordinate and manage organizational calendar for fundraising events & campaigns, etc; develop an annual financial budget for the organization. Development: manage all donor development and fundraising activities; write state and local government, foundation and corporate grants and administrative year-end grants; oversee and help organize special events; and more. Communications: with the Artistic Director, keep the board fully informed on the condition of the company; represent programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public; help define the annual organizational & production marketing vision; and more. Board and Community Relations: actively engage the Board in all key decisions and issues; work closely with the local community, civic and town bodies; organize and promote events through the year that enhance community relations, and more. Qualifications: Candidates must be energetic self-starters, strategic thinkers and problem solvers; must possess excellent writing and communication skills; deep experience with fundraising, grant writing and development research; marketing experience; non-profit organization experience, including volunteer board management; Bachelor’s degree or Masters in Business/Non-Profit management a plus or equivalent experience. No full-time office work required, but SOS seeks a passionate advocate for the organization and the arts. The dynamic board is poised to grow under the right leadership. To apply, please send a resume, including two references to Autumn Howard, Shakespeare on the Sound Office Manager, P.O. Box 15, Rowayton, CT 06853, Autumnhowardsos@gmail.com, 203-299-1300
HOUSATONIC 
MUSEUM OF ART
CURATOR OF EDUCATION

The Housatonic Museum of Art, Bridgeport, seeks a Curator of Education. Under the general direction of the Director, the Curator of Education is responsible for the management and delivery of the museum’s education outreach program to Bridgeport middle schools. Program Administration: Program development and delivery of programs and activities; ensures that objectives and goals of program meet the State and National educational standards; manages the budget in cooperation with the Director; prepares written and oral reports for the museum.
Program Coordination; oversees program framework, coordinates internal and external collaborations; development of visual aids and classroom materials (flyers, brochures, etc.); incorporation of HMA collaborations, contracts for partners outlining Museum’s role and school’s obligations; establish program calendar; meet with Director and Program Partners; design and/or purchase of required materials (classroom materials, visual aids, publications, in-house certificates of completion—ongoing/as needed basis; recruit assistants and/or volunteers. Staff Management: supervises assistants to the Peer Docent Program. Qualifications: Master’s Degree in museum studies or art education; minimum of 3 years experience in art education; excellent writing, speaking, organizational, project management and interpersonal skills; computer literacy including word processing desktop publishing, spreadsheet programs; ust have transportation and be willing to travel. Housatonic Museum of Art 900 Lafayette Blvd Bridgeport, CT 06604. Submit resume: Rzella@hcc.commnet.edu

NORWALK HOUSING AUTHORITY
MEDIA COORDINATOR 
AND EDUCATOR 

The Norwalk Housing Authority seeks a Media Coordinator and Educator who will cover a handful of tasks on a daily basis: responsible for maintaining media-related attributes of both the Learning Centers and Norwalk Housing Authority, as well as running a weekly Art class teaching students how to create their own video media and educate them in relating media. Essential Functions include: teach knowledge and skills in the Fine Arts; create Art curriculum for students K-12 grade; provide individual and small-group instruction; select and requisition books, instructional materials, tools, instructional aids, and maintain required inventory records; use available technology/ instructional media to enhance students’ learning experiences; organize storage areas and control use of materials, equipment and tools. Maintains Norwalk Housing Authority and Learning Center's social media sites. Maintains other media-related responsibilities pertaining to Learning Centers and Norwalk Housing Authority (training available) Required Knowledge & Skills include: proficient with both MAC and PC platforms; software knowledge required: InDesign, Illustrator; must have experience with web-based content management systems, video optimization and archival techniques; ability to work with a wide variety of families and children from different backgrounds; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports as needed; ability to work independently; knowledge of social media maintenance; knowledge of website maintenance. Required Bachelor’s degree; and minimum of two years’ work experience working with children. For more information and to apply, contact Danielle Vinci, Creative Coordinator, NHA: dvinci@norwalkha.org or 203-939-0589
O'NEILL THEATER CENTER
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Eugene O’Neill Theater Center,  Waterford, CT, seeks a Director of Development to be part of the senior management team and reporting to the Executive Director. This position is responsible for the successful planning and execution of an annual and strategic development plan, ensuring optimal resources to serve the mission, programs, and operations of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Major tasks include the successful organization, tracking, and completion of the annual campaign and membership program, timely management of grant activities, and oversight of fundraising events, in conjunction with department staff. The Director of Development will be expected and required to attend all major O’Neill events, be a regular presence during our summer performances, and take a leadership role in identification and cultivation of donors. Principal Duties: Individual Giving (30%)Institutional Support (25%)Special Events (20%)Administrative/Other (25%). Skills and Experience: 3 or more years of development experience demonstrating success in multiple facets of fundraising (annual campaigns, major gifts, institutional giving, special events, etc.), preferably in a performing arts or other cultural environmentBachelor’s degree; endowment or capital campaign experience highly desirable; strong capacity for organization, keeping sensitive donor information secure and filed appropriately; computer skills; balance multiple projects simultaneously; good judgment and decision making and more. Attributes and Expectations: ability to work independently; discretion required in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information; must be comfortable in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment; a passion for the performing arts and a commitment to the mission of the O’Neill and the advancement of American theater. Full job description available here.
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OPPORTUNITIES CALENDAR
NOVEMBER

DECEMBER
Dec. c1: New England Touring (NEST) Grant Deadline for projects after March 1, 2018
Dec. c1: IMLS Museums for America Grant Application Deadline
Dec. c5: SCORE: Five Keys to Successful Nonprofit Fundraising, Norwalk Library: 6:30pm
Dec. 12: FCCF Norwalk Legislative Forum, 40 Richards Ave. Norwalk, 9am. $15
Dec. 14: FCCF Stamford Legislative Forum, UConn, Stamford, 9am. $15
Dec. 15: CT Office of the Arts: Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Deadline
Dec. 15: NET/TEN: Theatre Exchange Grants - Application Deadline
Dec. 16: FCCF Bridgeport Legislative Forum, Housatonic Community College, 9am. $15
Dec. 16: FCCF Danbury Legislative Forum, 80 West ST., Danbury, 9am. $15
Dec. 20: Burning Man: Global Arts Grants: Letter of Intent Deadline
Dec. 31: CT Trust/1772 Foundation: Preservation Matching Grants

JANUARY
Jan. c5: NEA Musical Theatre Songwriting Challenge for High Schoolers

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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