Artist Initiative
ACHF Arts Access
Minnesota artists are able to expand or further develop their artistic abilities through varied learning opportunities. Minnesota artists are able to develop business skills needed to support their professional art work. More Minnesotans are able to engage in or with the work of Minnesota artists.
1) I directed/coordinated the artistic efforts of 6 actors, 5 musicians, composers and designers to expand a one hour workshop version of my original work into a full-length theatrical production with 2 acts, integrating aerial, music and video into the storytelling. In addition to directing, I wrote new material for the production. I challenged all of the artists in the project to develop their abilities by a. combining and integrating art forms: for example, our violinist performed her music on aerial silks, b. offering a series of workshops as an integral part of the rehearsal process, exposing the performers to new skills and building on existing skills including: aerial work, vocal work, improvisation and physical acting, and c. the composer and the sound designer created new music and new arrangements and scoring for the entire production with live music. 2) Artist performance and comments, audience comments, standing ovations, press reviews. Feedback from advisory board. 2: 1. I co-produced my own work, overseeing and participating in all aspects of planning and execution for the project including: financial oversight, budgeting, fundraising, board development/engagement, marketing and publicity. I was also able to secure a Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Arts Activities Grant to supplement my project’s income by $9,000, increasing the total budget from the original proposal of $20,000 to $31,200. The process of crafting a successful proposal for Metropolitan Regional Arts Council provided me with valuable challenges and opportunities to further develop my business skills: I assembled a strong and diverse advisory committee of nearly a dozen members to advise and support the project. I linked my own artistic goals to the needs of the community with greater clarity and specificity. I gained an increased understanding of and access to specific resources and support necessary to produce and market my own work in the future. 2. Strong press attention, audience attendance and revenues, board feedback.
Other, local or private