Arts Tour Minnesota

Arts Tour Minnesota funding provided resources for 16 Minnesota artists to share their talents with 1108 residents in nine counties across the state. Mixed Blood's goal was to tour six productions for 18 performances in Minnesota to promote pluralism throughout the region, serve vulnerable Minnesotans, and provoke discussion about cultural competence. This year, the theatre produced four total touring shows. Legacy funding provided for 19 performances of these plays in communities across the state. Ken LaZebnik’s Theory of Mind was selected for its sensitive, yet unsentimental portrait of a young adult on the autism spectrum. Warren C. Bowels’ African America was selected for its value to Minnesotans and for its exploration connectivity and celebration of one’s heritage. Bowels’ Dr. King’s Dream was selected for its historical significance and popularity with patrons. Syl Jones’ Daughters of Africa was included in the tour for its exuberant, music-driven celebration of African-American women’s triumphs and accomplishments. Director of Touring, Charlie Moore, has built an extensive network of Minnesota community organizations, educational institutions, theatres, civic centers, and cultural centers with which to partner. Presenting locations were selected by their need and interest and included Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Historic Holmes Theater in Detroit Lakes, Vermillion Community College in Ely, Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, Central Square Cultural and Civic Center in Glenwood, Pequana Playhouse in Baudette, A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls, Regional Cultural Center in New York Mills, Delano High School in Delano, and Battle Lake High School in Battle Lake. A tour package including dramaturgical and promotional materials was provided to hosts of touring shows, in an effort for artists to best communicate with the audience how art serves a social and historical purpose. Each community contact was asked to provide Mixed Blood with their promotional strategies. Most often, organizers engaged audiences via on-site signage, posters, newspaper columns, social media and newsletters. Public performances were often held for adults in towns where students experienced the same plays in school. This was done to give families the opportunity to see the same plays, linking arts to whole communities. 2: Mixed Blood brought plays to venerable, culturally isolated Minnesota communities who have not previously had access to these specific tour offerings. Public performance organizers and audiences were surveyed at each Arts Tour performance to assess their objective and subjective perspectives. 35% of respondents had never been to an arts activity at the performance site, meaning they were exposed to Minnesota art in a new, local location for the first time. All organizers rated the tour's performances and their interactions with Mixed Blood personnel as very good or excellent. These plays are an extension of the Educational Touring program that brings inclusive, challenging plays to schools around the greater Midwest. Artistic Director Jack Rueler selects plays according to their ability to be accessible to many, while portraying stories that may not typically be shown on the stage. Theatre staff works with community hosts to create promotional and dramaturgical tools to engage target communities. Actors answer audience post-performance questions about the plays or about their methods as actors. Surveys are provided to hosts and audience members in order to provide communities with the opportunity to evaluate their experiences.