Art Project
ACHF Arts Education
Barriers to participation in high quality arts activities will be identified and addressed.Outcome Evaluation Plan: We are blending goals one and two into our plan and will evaluate our success with a written survey at the conclusion of the workshop. We will identify barriers to participation in high quality art activities, describe our tools to overcome the barriers, and include a written survey to assess. The barriers to citizens in our region include the following: distance, access, cost, quality, isolation, time, and feeling not invited/not involved. Our tools to combat these complex and real issues are the following: Distance—hold workshop where people live and make it possible and reasonable to attend and return home at night or stay overnight (60 mile radius). Access—advertise to a varied group of potential participants including using local newspapers, local radio stations, Minnesota Public Radio (aimed at a different level of literacy), on-line regional writing groups, previous participants (past 3 years), direct invitations, Facebook, Big Stone Arts website, and Big Stone Art Council one on one invitations. Registration will be on-line, phone, and snail mail to accommodate the comfort level of potential participants. Quality—we have two high quality presenters who will address writers at the level of ability they designate. Students will have access to both presenters at the final presentation on Sunday as well as at the informal dinner on Saturday evening and the free public reading on Friday evening. Cost—charge a very reasonable fee for 1.5 days of instruction and guided practice as well as 3 meals, 2 light breakfasts, and two coffee breaks. Provide discounted rate for traditional student age (22 and younger) and senior citizen age (65). Isolation—build relationships at all the events with special emphasis on how do we continue to stay connected and write and share writing? We plan to organize scheduled gatherings during the year and make available participants emails and phone numbers to the group if they choose to engage in that exchange. Survey as a tool to empower participants—we will ask for anonymous input as well as suggestions for future workshops and ask for new volunteers to step forward to continue to keep the annual writer's workshop a reality.
There was 80-100% agreement that the instructors and their topics were thorough and useful and appropriate. 50% indicated need for space that was warmer and less noisy, and 100% liked the beautiful setting. 15 participants said they would help with the next workshop. 1 person asked for more scholarships next year. The distance from Ortonville ranged from 0-140 miles with several at 20 miles and 90 miles. There were many excellent ideas suggested for future workshops. One of the participants wrote the following on his survey: The workshop achieved the sense of community that it has consistently over the past 4 years. That really matters. The instructors' management of time and inclusion was excellent. So was the planning of the event and the site. Excellent food, view, and ideal set up for sharing.""
Other, local or private