Artist Initiative

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$10,000
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Denise M. Fick
Recipient Type
Individual
Status
Completed
Start Date
March 2015
End Date
June 2016
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
Cottonwood
Dakota
Hennepin
Lyon
Murray
Ramsey
Redwood
Washington
Cottonwood
Dakota
Hennepin
Lyon
Murray
Ramsey
Redwood
Washington
Project Overview
Artist Initiative
Project Details
Fick will produce “The Oracle,” a six to eight minute animated film that employs parodies of 1960’s and 1970’s film and television, Roman myth and talking animals to explore archetypes, and life’s absurdity and quiet rewards. Four screenings are planned in locations around the state during the grant period.
Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications
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. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Rebecca Davis-Lee: Touring pianist, piano and music theory teacher; Wendy Dayton: Arts and community leader and philanthropist.; Sean Dowse, Executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Music Coalition, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, and Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; David Glenn: Executive director of the Minnesota Project, ceramic artist; Ellen McInnis: Director of Twin Cities government relations, Wells Fargo. Member of Bottineau Boulevard Partnership. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Thomas Moss: Consultant to nonprofits and government agencies; Janice Sivertson: Gallery owner and visual artist
Advisory Group Members and Qualifications
Allison Bolah: A visual artist, creating photographs, multimedia and paper-based work; David Kang: Independent creative consultant, director, and producer, founder and CEO, Hana Media and Development, creator and executive director, The DIAL Group; Fredrika McManus: Founder and director, Upper Minnesota Film Office; Patrick Moore: Communications director, Pioneer Public TV; Matthew Sewell: Chair, English department, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Deborah Wallwork: Independent filmmaker and artist, editor and director, Red Eye Video; Maya Washington: Filmmaker, writer, performer, and arts educator
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
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
$10,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$0
Direct expenses
$10,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Working with actors and a composer I’ll create a piece of more intricate narrative and artistic intent than my previous animation. I’ll have a completed animation to exhibit in galleries, libraries and shops and to submit to film festivals. I’ll use the piece to expand my animation career. 2: I wish to be an example to potential artists in Minnesota, especially the southwest, using potent art expressed with humor. I’ll show my animation and speak with people at public events. I have agreements with galleries in Hastings and the Solar Arts Building in Minneapolis. I’m seeking space and time with galleries, libraries and shops in New Ulm, Tracy, and Marshall.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The Oracle is an extended length cartoon that developed the artist's talent. She'll show it on the Internet and in festivals to promote her skills. All public event audiences laughed in most of the right places. Two picture quizzes were available for viewers to complete. One asked them to match the cartoon scene with the film it referenced. The other asked them to match characters with their mythological twin. All returned quizzes correctly matched the main three films parodied. Almost all mythology matches were correct. Question and answer sessions showed interest in the cartoon and the artist's work process. 2: The grantee interacts with more artists and is known to more people as an artist because of her grant project and its public components. Three picture quizzes were available at each event. One referenced 70s film, another referenced mythology. Two of the quizzes asked attendees to select their county of residence. A third quiz was designed for children to select their favorite character as well as Oracle of Nuttown coloring pages. Crayons and pencils were available for use with these. Free Oracle branded stadium cups were given to all attendees.

Description of Funds
Project Manager
First Name
Denise
Last Name
Fick
Organization Name
Denise M. Fick
State
MN
Phone
(612) 202-0554
Email
tigeroo@mvtvwireless.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