Arts Tour Minnesota

Minnesota Opera’s outcome was to increase the number of Minnesotans from Faribault, Northfield and Owatonna that attend Minnesota Opera-related activities. A report from Enertex Marketing Tools showed that 125 individuals from these three locations (combined) attended activities during 2009-2010. An internal report (Toptix software) shows that 601 individuals attended from these locations during 2012-2013. The free outdoor performance of Puccini’s La bohème occurred in June of 2013, drawing approximately 1900 adults and 100 children (number based on historical attendance at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Parade Field for graduations). An add’l internal report (Toptix) was conducted for the 2013-2014 season, showing 1009 individuals attended activities, an increase from the previous year by 68%. Minnesota Opera achieved its outcome of increasing the number of Minnesotans attending from these communities made evident through the performance of La boheme in June of 2013 and the 2013-2014 attendance report. 2: Increased public awareness of Minnesota Opera programs was made available to the communities of Faribault, Northfield and Owatonna through the free, outdoor performance of Puccini’s La bohème on the Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Parade Field. Outreach efforts toward public awareness included on-site interviews with local media, photos, program info via the Opera’s website, and promotion through Minnesota Public Radio, Faribault Daily News, Northfield News, Owatonna People’s Press, social media, and world of mouth. Minnesota Opera continued outreach efforts within these communities through the 2013-2014 season. Bergen Baker, the Opera’s Teaching Artist, conducted a four-day, in-school residency with Faribault Lutheran School (first time in company’s history) that served 180 youth through the popular initiative, Through the Eyes and Ears of Mozart. One youth enjoyed the concert in Faribault so much that they became a participant of the Opera’s year-long, youth ensemble program, Project Opera!