Operating Support
ACHF Arts Access
Art is prevalent in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood as demonstrated by murals, sculptures, performances, and innovative landscaping in four identified public spaces. At least three of our partners use our space and programs on a regular basis as a tool to mobilize and gather their constituents. Work with partner organization Ka Joog to track the impact of engaging Somali youth in the arts as demonstrated by academic success. In 2012/13, Cedar Cultural Center frequently collaborated with Somali artist Abdihakin BR and community organizer Abdirizak Bihi. We helped them plan and host a talent show series, a showcase of local Somali singers, and a Somali film screening in our space. Somali organization Ka Joog has also used our space for events such as benefits, panel discussions, and workshops. In 2012/13, we presented at least four events for our partners in the disabled community, allowing them to provide a shared experience for their clients. We've started relationships with even more individuals who intend to host events at The Cedar including Imams from the local mosques and music promoter Samatar Salah. These are some examples of how The Cedar's space and programming helps leaders mobilize their communities. This outcome is evaluated by the frequency of communication with partners and number of collaborative projects realized over a period of time, thus signifying a sustainable (instead of a one-off) partnership. 2: Build a total audience of 1,000 people for our 416 Club commissions program as demonstrated by ticket purchases, donors through Cedar Seeder, and followers through Twitter or e-newsletters. Engage 1,500 audience members in our 2012 Global Roots Program, thus increasing the number of people experiencing the arts. Launch ten projects on Cedar Seeder, which allows audience members to participate in arts projects in many ways, including following project progress and providing input. In January 2013, Cedar Cultural Center presented a second year of the 416 Club commissions program, which commissions seven local, emerging artists chosen through a juried process to compose half an hour of new music and debut the pieces in a series of public events at The Cedar. The program drew a much larger audience than in previous years due to significant outreach efforts and press coverage. We drew a total audience of 1,000 people through event attendance alone. The total number of people privy to the program was significantly larger, however, due to widespread press. Feedback from community members, which we gather consistently through follow-up surveys, webforms, and on-site comment boards, allow us to measure whether Minnesotans believe that the arts and The Cedar's works are vital to who they are.
Our first identified goal was to work with partners to incorporate our programs into public school curricula as well as events such as benefits, discussions, and panels thus ensuring that the arts are interwoven into every facet of community life. Our major identified outcome was that at least three of our partners use our space and programs on a regular basis as a tool to mobilize and gather their constituents. Given our location in a densely-populated neighborhood home to a large number of Somali immigrants, we put specific emphasis on engaging partners in the Somali community who use our space and programs as a tool to mobilize their community. 2: Our second identified goal was to further a sense of pride in and identity with Minnesota's arts community through events that are free and/or that feature local artists, thus contributing to Minnesotans' belief that the arts are vital to who we are. Our major identified outcome was to build a total audience of 1,000 people for our 416 Club Commissions program.
Other
local or private