Kitchigami Regional Library Legacy Grant SFY 2018 - SFY 2019
Minnesota's twelve regional public library systems, which encompass 350 public libraries in all areas of the state, benefit from a portion of the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Through State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, each regional public library system receives a formula-driven allocation from the annual $2.5 million Minnesota Regional Library Legacy Grant. Kitchigami Regional Library (KRL) is a consolidated regional public library system in north central Minnesota. KRL has nine branch public libraries located in five counties: Beltrami, Cass, Crow, Wing, Hubbard, and Wadena. With Arts and Cultural Heritage funds, KRL and its member libraries present an array of arts, cultural, literary, and Minnesota history programs in collaboration with arts and cultural organizations, independent artists, historical societies, and community organizations. Programs contribute to the cultural vitality of the region and build a lasting legacy.
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds must be allocated using the formulas in Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, with the remaining 25 percent to be distributed to all qualifying systems in an amount proportionate to the number of qualifying system entities in each system. For purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying system entity" means a public library, a regional library system, a regional library system headquarters, a county, or an outreach service program. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. These funds must be distributed in ten equal payments per year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the appropriations encumbered on or before June 30, 2019, as grants or contracts in this subdivision are available until June 30, 2021.
Total number of activities, programs, and/or events: 117
Total participation/attendance: 3233
Total number of partnerships: 0
Dave Machacek of ArtOrg in Cannon Falls, Minnesota traveled throughout KRLS with a mini steamroller allowing people of all ages to create their very own steamrolled art print. The program drew in many previously nonlibrary users as well as current patrons. Participants were able to create their own large stamp which was then rolled over by the mini steamroller right in front of them. One participant commented that they, "Loved getting to see [their] kids be creative!" Everyone was able to leave with their own piece of unique artwork.
The Park Rapids Area Library hosted a three-part series of programs during the span of two months called the "The Art Within: Finding our voice t ogether." The program as a whole focused on fostering a sense of community with diverse groups of people by creating artwork individually that would make a larger piece of artwork when put together. The artwork created by individuals throughout the community during the three programs was blended together to make a Chihuly piece of artwork that can be viewed at the Park Rapids Area Library. The programs included "portable studios" throughout the community, guest speakers and building the collaborative piece of artwork, and finally a reception where the finished piece of artwork was on display. Throughout the two-month process over 300 people participated in the creation of the artwork.
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds must be allocated using the formulas in Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, with the remaining 25 percent to be distributed to all qualifying systems in an amount proportionate to the number of qualifying system entities in each system. For purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying system entity" means a public library, a regional library system, a regional library system headquarters, a county, or an outreach service program. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. These funds must be distributed in ten equal payments per year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the appropriations encumbered on or before June 30, 2019, as grants or contracts in this subdivision are available until June 30, 2021.
Total number of projects: 82
Total number of programs and/or events (if different than total number of projects): n/a
Total attendance/participation:1931
Total number of partnerships: 0
Arn Kind, a historical presenter and teacher of over 40 years, brought a multimedia historical experience, "Minnesota in the Vietnam War," to 10 of our regional communities. The program described the increasing commitment of each of five American presidents, the rising antiwar protests at home and eventual U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, and the lingering tragic effects of a war that had never been declared. 389 people attended his presentation that used Power Point, video, music, drama, authentic reproductions, and role-playing. Over 99% of survey participants agreed they left the program with increased knowledge of the Vietnam War. Multiple libraries hosted the program at local VFW and American Legion posts where Vietnam veterans were present in the audience and invited to share their first hand experiences; one commenting "I learned a lot I never knew." This "outstanding" and "heart-wrenching" presentation was hugely popular in our region.
Twin Cities-based musician Laura MacKenzie hosted a delightful program of traditional wind-powered music enjoyed by an audience of all ages at 10 of our regional libraries. Using an array of instruments, including wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, bagpipes, gemshorn, and voice, she gave the 294 attendees the chance to hear and learn about the rich heritage of Celtic music. Our survey results showed 90% of respondents rated the program as excellent, and one participant that had traveled to the area from Winnepeg. "Laura was delightful, talented and knowledgeable" was also a regular comment among audience members. Her program was a cultural experience enjoyed by our communities.