Operating Support
Operating Support
The Loft advances the artistic development of writers, fosters a thriving literary community, and inspires a passion for literature.
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.; Uri Camarena: Business consultant, Metropolitan Economic Development Association. Board chair, Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Officer at-large, Minnesota State Arts Board; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Secretary/Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse: Mayor of Red Wing, elected 2016. Former executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Philip McKenzie, Oboe and English horn player; adjunct oboe faculty, NDSU; Mary McReynolds-Pellinen: Executive director, Lyric Center for the Arts; coordinator, First Stage Gallery; Thomas Moss: Consultant to nonprofits and government agencies.; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund.; Christina Widdess: Arts organization consultant; former managing director, Penumbra Theatre. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.
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.; Uri Camarena: Business consultant, Metropolitan Economic Development Association. Board chair, Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Officer at-large, Minnesota State Arts Board; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Secretary/Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse: Mayor of Red Wing, elected 2016. Former executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Mary McReynolds-Pellinen, Executive director, Lyric Center for the Arts; coordinator, First Stage Gallery; Thomas Moss: Consultant to nonprofits and government agencies.; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund.; Christina Widdess: Arts organization consultant; former managing director, Penumbra Theatre. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.
ACHF Arts Access
Diverse Minnesota writers and readers indicate literary learning and expanded thinking on topical issues as a result of their Loft experiences. Surveys measuring participant demographics and impact of Loft activities on participants' learning, creative development, and increased engagement in the topics addressed through literature. 2: Minnesotans connect with each other as readers and writers, engaging in the exchange of ideas vital to a healthy society. Surveys and comments measuring extent to which Loft activities helped participants feel part of a community of engaged readers and other writers, or feel inspired toward dialogue because of their Loft participation; audience data tracks engagement.
98% participants (12% of whom were BIPOC) noted learning on topic/subject; 99% reported expanded thinking on the topic; 99% rated teachers highly. Surveyed class/event participants on teaching artists/presenters, and impact of Loft programs/activities on learning, writing goals, and thinking/conversation about various topics. Gathered participant demographics. 2: 96% of Loft class/event participants reported building writing/reading community and networks; 98% were inspired to have conversations on subject. Artist and class/event participant surveys with ratings, written feedback; reported writing groups formed in Loft classes that have been sustained well afterwards; participant survey responses that Loft events inspired conversations.
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