Arts Access
ACHF Arts Access
Arts organizations build relationships with members of, or organizations that serve, groups that have traditionally been underserved by the arts or by the applicant organization. Real or perceived barriers to participation are identified and addressed. More Minnesotans are able to participate in the arts.
We presented six performances of the Picnic Operetta throughout the metro area. Additionally we performed three concerts featuring selections of music from our show. These concerts were performed at the Walker Art Center, Nicollet Farmer's Market and Mill City Farmer's Market. Also we presented three educations works shops for youth and a symposium and workshop featuring musical selections and in-depth conversation about opera history. Our presenting partners included garden and farming organizations, as well as community organizations. We reached audiences in a variety of neighborhoods including North Minneapolis via partnerships with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation and Saint Olaf Community Church. We have a three year tradition of partnerships on the East Side of St Paul, via the Dayton's Bluff District Council, the Skidmore Park Community Garden and the East Side Arts Council. Additional partners included the Women's Environmental Institute in North Branch, Urban Farming and their site in Frogtown, the City of Bloomington, the City of Falcon Heights, Carlton College and Dodge Nature Center. Our evaluation methods and data sources include: Survey of audience members, Front of House summary data, Financial documents, Meeting minutes from monthly planning meetings, Press and reviews, Survey of artists involved, Survey of staff involved, Survey of performance site hosts (“Garden Hosts” or “Garden Coordinators”), Survey of the Access Advisory Panel, Feedback from focus groups with access services users. 2: Opera is a genre perceived as elitist and difficult to understand. The Picnic Operetta's genre bending tradition is appreciated by our audiences. Our treatment of classical music has been praised for its musical and theatrical excellence as well as its accessibility to those who would otherwise not attend opera. In post-performance evaluations nearly 30% cited that this performance was their first experience with classical music or opera. Among our returning audience, another 30% cited that the Picnic Operetta is the only classical music that they attend on a yearly basis.
Other, local or private