Art Project Grant
ACHF Arts Access ACHF Arts Education ACHF Cultural Heritage
The primary focus of this project is to expand the audience for orchestra concerts in northern Minnesota. Measurable short-term outcomes for this project include (1) performing with a full complement of 55-60 musicians or more; (2) drawing audiences of 200 or more at each concert location; (3) positive evaluations from a majority of Mesabi Community Orchestra participants; and (4) meeting budget. Longer-range outcomes for this project include a thriving arts scene on the Iron Range, greater interest in the study of music in our schools, growing audiences for orchestra concerts, and growing financial support for the Mesabi Community Orchestra. The Mesabi Community Orchestra board tracks orchestra membership and concert attendance on an ongoing basis. The financial results for this project will be collected by the Mesabi Community Orchestra board and evaluated at a board meeting. Mesabi Community Orchestra will conduct a year-end survey of orchestra members to evaluate several aspects of programming in general and this concert specifically. The Mesabi Community Orchestra board will track audience size and financial support over time through the Cultural Data Project to determine whether the measurable long-term outcomes are being met.
Measurable short-term outcomes for this project include: (1) performing with a full complement of 55-60 musicians or more; this outcome was met, as we performed with 57 orchestra musicians and 8 singers. (2) drawing audiences of 200 or more at each concert location; this outcome was not met, as attendance was 155 in Hibbing and 167 in Virginia. While this fell short of the target, audience size is up from the previous year, when we concert attendance averaged 150. (3) positive evaluations from a majority of Mesabi Symphony Orchestra participants; this was partially met, as a survey of Mesabi Symphony Orchestra musicians included 86% who supported the artistic vision, and 76% who believed the format should be repeated in the future. However, 70% felt there was not enough rehearsal time to adequately prepare for the concert. (4) meeting budget. This outcome was met, as expenses were held below budget by 13% and cash outlays were also below budget.
Other, local or private