Artist Initiative

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$10,000
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Matthew G. Anderson
Recipient Type
Individual
Status
Completed
Start Date
March 2016
End Date
February 2017
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
Hennepin
Ramsey
Hennepin
Ramsey
Project Overview
Artist Initiative
Project Details
Anderson will develop “The Fringe”, a screenplay about artists preparing for a high-profile theater festival. A reading of the screenplay will take place at the Minneapolis Theater Garage.
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; 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; Thomas Moss: Consultant to nonprofits and government agencies; Janice Sivertson: Gallery owner and visual artist; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund
Advisory Group Members and Qualifications
Layla Dowlatshahi: Playwright and Arts Board grantee; writing instructor at Normandale Community College; Denise Fick: Artist Initiative grantee; illustrator/animator/graphic designer; Dain Ingebretson: Freelance teaching artist, writer, producer; Peter Nelson: Assistant professor of new media art at Saint Olaf; Kevin Obsatz: Filmmaker and video artist; Arts Board grantee; Frank Sander: Filmmaker and multimedia artist
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2015 Special Session, chapter 2, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$10,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$375
Direct expenses
$10,375
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Anderson will create a compelling, entertaining script to examine the current state of life in the arts via a diverse array of perspectives. A public reading will be held, after which the audience will be encouraged to discuss the script's portrayal of a modern arts community and to share their own experiences. 2: Anderson will collaborate with local actors to develop a writing method that will increase the quality and complexity of his screenwriting. Through the reactions and input of the Twin Cities arts community and general public at the script reading as well as interest in the finished script on the part of studios and film investors.

Measurable Outcome(s)

My collaborators and I created a script that authentically portrays the experiences of an increasingly diverse community at this moment in time. Due to time constraints, instead of holding a formal Q and A, we encouraged participants to discuss their reactions with us and respond more fully via an emailed questionnaire. The questionnaire asked for overall reactions, any elements participants found particularly compelling or entertaining, any elements participants found irresponsible or false, as well as general thoughts and comments. 70% of participants completed the questionnaire. Responses tended to be in-depth and well thought out. 2: I developed an effective collaborative approach to story development via one-on-one discussion, group discussion and group improvisation. Discussion after the reading as well as the completed questionnaires, as detailed above. In addition, the workshop experience was, by all accounts, uniquely artistically satisfying and rewarding for all collaborators involved. Due to the early stage of the script, the decision was made not to invite potential investors or producers to the first reading, however as the drafting process continues, I will be pursuing possible avenues for a future production.

Description of Funds
Source of Additional Funds

Other, local or private

Project Manager
First Name
Matthew
Last Name
Anderson
Organization Name
Matthew G. Anderson
State
MN
Phone
(310) 746-6004
Email
yndprod@yahoo.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