Community Arts

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$5,000
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Drama Interaction
Recipient Type
Non-Profit Business/Entity
Status
Completed
Start Date
April 2015
End Date
October 2015
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
Hennepin
Hennepin
Project Overview
Community Arts
Project Details
Funding for a theater exploration program offering theater, music and dance instruction to 20-24 students with disabilities, ages 8-12 years old. Activities will be held at Capoeria Academy in Richfield between April and June 2015 and culminate in a presentation to a small group of invited guests.
Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications
Julie Andersen: Eagan Art House Executive Director; Jill Anfang: Roseville Parks and Recreation Program Director; Bethany Brunsell: Music Teacher and performer; Kathy Busch: Realtor, Shakopee School Board Member; Shelly Chamberlain: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Operations Director; Joan Elwell: Lakeshore Players Executive Director; Mary Erickson: Eastern Carver County Schools Community Education; Anthony Galloway: Actor, storyteller, West Metro Education Program; Jamil Jude: Theatre artist; Peter Leggett: Walker West Music Academy Executive Director; Dayna Martinez: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; Coleen McLaughlin: Arts Midwest Director of External Relations; Tom Moffatt: Silverwood Park Supervisor; Christine Murakami Noonan: Minnesota State Fair Foundation; Heather Rutledge: ArtReach Saint Croix Executive Director; Rachel Smoka-Richardson: Minnesota Public Radio Development Officer; Dameun Strange: Composer and performer; Melissa Wright: Twin Cities Public Television.
Advisory Group Members and Qualifications
Nancy Anderson: Administration; Bob Graf: Artistic; Hayley Johnson: Audience development, fundraising, administration; Pam Braunwarth: Artistic, organizational development, administration; Kristen Wesloh: Administration, community development; Rebecca Moran Cusick: Artistic, volunteerism, organizational development; Kristina Bloomquist: Administration; Paul Eastwold: Administration.
Conflict of Interest Contact
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Jeff Prauer (651) 645-0402
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2013, Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$5,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$2,075
Direct expenses
$7,075
Administration costs
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded
0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

This project will reach 20-24 children ages 8-12 years of age who are differently-abled. They will participate in Theater activities including, acting, improvisation, comedy, song and dance for a total of 6 weeks. Surveys show that over 95% of these children have never had this opportunity to engage in the performing arts prior to this experience. This opportunity will give them insight to being free to express themselves in many different ways. Evaluating this program during and after the session will be done. After meeting students for the first time staff will discuss with parents any needed adaptations that might be helpful for their child going further. Midway through the session a feedback form will be given to parents asking questions pertaining to the progression of the program and their child. A feedback form will also be given to audience members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, etc. to gain an insight of how they enjoyed the program and its curriculum. Staff will have meetings after every class discussing how the class went, what if anything needs to be changed, what could we do differently to meet every individual’s needs, etc.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The project served a total of 17 students divided into the two class sessions. The disabilities ranged from Autism to ADHD and Down's and students were aged 8-12 years. 95% of student and caregiver mentioned that this was a first-time experience. 100% said they would like additional classes. The most significant outcome from this project includes the fact that these students have never been up in front of other people before much less in a performance environment. The increased level of self-esteem in the students was visibly tangible.

Description of Funds
Source of Additional Funds

Other, local or private

Recipient Board Members
Bonnie Neumann, Jill Kuzma, Theresa Henry
Project Manager
First Name
Bonnie
Last Name
Neumann
Organization Name
Drama Interaction
Street Address
6352 Josephine Ave
City
Edina
State
MN
Zip Code
55439
Phone
(952) 220-1676
Email
drama.interaction@yahoo.com
Administered By
Administered by
Location

Griggs Midway Building, Suite 304,
540 Fairview Avenue North,
St. Paul, MN 55104

Phone
(651) 539-2650 or toll-free (800) 866-2787
Email the Agency
Location

PO Box 14106
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114 

Phone
Project Manager: Kathy Mouacheupao
651-645-0402
Email the Agency