Art Project Grant

The goals of this project were to create a moving and memorable audience experience, and to expand the audience for orchestra concerts in northern Minnesota. Measurable short-term outcomes included (1) establishing close, cooperative relationships with two participating choirs; (2) drawing audiences of 350 or more at each concert; (3) positive comments in audience surveys; 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 goal of establishing close, cooperative relationships with two participating choirs was met. Surveys were conducted with directors (orchestra and choirs) and members, and feedback was positive. We fell short of the goal for audience size. Total attendance was 486 at two performances, vs. a goal of 350 per performance. This is the first time we have performed twice in one venue, Goodman Auditorium in Virginia. We drew very well from our traditional service area, but did not attract as many people from Duluth as we had hoped. Note that MPR held a choral event, Bring the Sing, in Duluth on the same day as Mesabi Community Orchestra's first performance, which may have impacted audience for Mesabi Community Orchestra. Volunteers failed to hand out audience survey forms, so we were unable to measure performance on the third measurable outcome. This oversight will be corrected for future events. Expenses were held below budget, meeting the fourth measurable outcome.