Operating Support Grant

Our mission is to foster a greater appreciation of the contemporary arts; to bridge cultures; to create and expand community; and to provide cultural exchange, networking opportunities, and educational outreach through regular interaction with the contemporary arts. Our vision for fulfilling this vision in 2019 includes continuing an active and dynamic program of events in the visual, musical, and literary arts, and serving as a venue, with emphasis on representing a broad spectrum of artists and underserved/underrepresented communities. Specific goals include expanding educational programming with a series of artist-led workshops, a monthly arts workshop held in collaboration with Mentor Duluth, and our student intern program. In order to promote organizational stability and growth, we plan to purchase new equipment and software (iPad pro, swipe cash register, QuickBooks Pro) to better support our sales and book-keeping processes, and materials to upgrade accessibility ramps. We plan to measure our outcomes both quantitatively (tracking numbers) and also qualitatively (recording testimony/feedback). Our evaluation plan for the year includes: continuing to track attendance and membership numbers to measure the immediate community impact and level of exposure of our programs in order to determine which programs and exhibitions are most effective; measuring exposure through social media and utilizing it to informally gather perspectives from the community; routinely documenting press or television attention, observing community exposure and evaluate the public scope of ideas and discussion initiated by the exhibition and events. We will also continue to consult with artist(s) involved, asking for feedback throughout planning processes. We also plan to institute a policy of identifying three individuals (with relevant interests) for each program with whom to consult afterward and seek feedback. Our educational program will be evaluated through participant surveys so we can gage effectiveness and seek suggestions for future programs. We plan to hold 6-8 exhibitions, at least eight activities that contribute to our rental revenue, host at least one additional program or musical/literary event each month, and upgrade and/or purchase equipment and software. We hope to see a 15% increase in membership this year, secure funding for our Arts Mentoring program, be awarded a non- Arrowhead Regional Arts Council grant, and see our interns complete a self-planned program or exhibition.