Artist Initiative

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$10,000
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Momoko T. Niemi AKA Momoko Tanno
Recipient Type
Individual
Status
Completed
Start Date
March 2013
End Date
February 2014
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
Ramsey
Ramsey
Project Overview
Artist Initiative
Project Details
Niemi will adapt the opera/theater piece Yukionna (Snow Witch) into a song cycle with script for two voices and piano. Public performances will take place in January 2014 as part of Nautilus Music Theater's program Rough Cuts.
Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications
Judson Bemis Jr.: Actor, arts administrator, founder and principal of Clere Consulting. Secretary, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Ardell Brede: Mayor of Rochester, elected 2002.; Peggy Burnet: Businesswoman, art collector, and community volunteer. Chair of the Nominating Committee, Smithsonian National Board. Trustee, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse: Executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Music Coalition, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, and Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.; John Gunyou, City manager, Minnetonka.; Benjamin Klipfel: Board member, Minnesota State Arts Board. Executive Director, Alexandria Area Arts Association, Inc. Director and arts educator.; Ellen McInnis: Director of Twin Cities government relations, Wells Fargo. Member of Bottineau Boulevard Partnership. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Pamela Perri: Executive vice president, Builders Association of Minnesota.; Margaret Rapp: Former educator, Saint Paul Academy and Summit School. Officer at-large, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Anton Treuer: Professor of Ojibwe, Bemidji State University.
Advisory Group Members and Qualifications
Christopher Atzinger: International pianist; David Moore: Composer, vocal arranger, educator, and conductor; Founder of a capella ensemble, Dare to Breathe, Saint Paul; Nirmala Rajasekar: Musician, Teacher, South Indian Music; Terry Ruud: English and writing instructor, M-State, Fergus Falls; Albra Thao: Spoken word and hip hop artist; Jacquelynn Tinsley: Singer; Faith Udeh: Hip hop rock artist
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2011, First Special Session, chapter 6, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$10,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$2,490
Direct expenses
$12,490
Administration costs
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.00
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

I will expand my artistic abilities by adapting songs and script into a song cycle with a storyline for the first time. When the piece is completed and ready to perform for audience with a story that makes sense, and songs all tied together with a flow, I will know I have achieved this outcome. 2: Collaborate with other artists in Minnesota to give public performances of our opera/theater piece, and share it with the community in Minnesota. When I complete the piece first with Hirabayashi and Krywosz, and perform it in Minnesota with another singer/actor and pianist, I will know I have achieved this outcome.

Measurable Outcome(s)

I was able to learn about putting together music and text and make some choices with the opera Yukionna. I have made a leap in my vocal and acting technique, and gained experience playing a major role. I relied on feedback from the directors such as Ben Krywosz and Barb Brooks, as well as the composer, colleagues, and audience members. 2: This project was a great opportunity for the Japanese community to witness artistic work of the Japanese artists living in Minnesota. The Minneapolis Japanese School really appreciated the opportunity to have the students and parents, as well as guests from Mounds Park Academy where they rent the space from, attend the performance.

Description of Funds
Source of Additional Funds

Other, local or private

Project Manager
First Name
Momoko
Last Name
Niemi
Organization Name
Momoko T. Niemi AKA Momoko Tanno
State
MN
Phone
(651) 253-0994
Email
momotanno@gmail.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