Operating Support Grant

Our computer expert compared alternatives to the current database to find one more user-friendly and economical. She recommended Bloomerang because it fits our needs better. The board voted to make the change in October. The board recently completed a 38 question survey of the importance of different staff duties. The areas that have been considered least important will be ones that will be examined most carefully when the need arises. The next step be to analyze the current staff for areas of improvement. Art programming evaluation differs from office expenditure or job evaluations. Once the outcome of a program is projected, the form of evaluation is decided. We use objective and subjective assessment tools. The objective evaluations include attendance figures, and surveying audiences. In the Fall of 2019, a survey was used to gauge the effectiveness of the Glassblowing demonstration for Bigfork students and public. The Gallery?s annual fundraising Wine Tasting was returned to Friday evening instead of Saturday after analyzing a written survey of guests at the Saturday winetasting. Audiences do not respond well to too much objective evaluating, but when done selectively, it is very helpful. Subjective evaluations include direct interaction between audiences and performers in a post-performance Q&A, such as at the complicated plays Wit or Arturo Ui. Facebook feedback show how many people see, respond to, share, or comment on our Facebook page. We track which events have reached the most people.?Our favorite method in this small town is talking to one-on-one to, or eavesdropping on, people during events or exhibits, and in stores, banks, or the gas station. It's more fun to hear " that's great " to "why did you make me come to this?" The Edge Center, located in Bigfork, is an hour away from other arts organizations so programming at the Edge provides accessible art experiences close to home. The population of Bigfork is 444, with about 8000 residents living in outlying areas. Ordway's 2015 Sally Award for Arts Access was presented to the Edge Center in June, 2015. This prestigious award recognizes extraordinary efforts to engage a broader and more diverse audience in the arts, or to deepen the involvement that Minnesota citizens have with the arts. The Sally Award was inspired by the Legacy Amendment and its impact on enhancing access to the arts statewide. It is an enormous honor that the Ordway has bestowed on the Edge Center. It says that a stellar arts organization in the Twin Cities thinks that we are remarkable! And, that we have been remarkable for over 16 years! Each year we strive to broaden audiences by introducing new artists and art forms to this rural area, planning to appeal to a wide range of constituents. The life experiences, economic and age categories of the residents are varied and the art experiences they appreciate varies as well. For example, the drama presented annually by Stages Theatre of Hopkins is mainly for children. The EdgeWild musicals are family oriented while the "edgy" productions are aimed at an adult audience. Retired pop culture professor, Jack Nachbar, shows and analyzes classic movies including Westerns, musicals, comedy and thrillers. Each month varies as the Gallery exhibits new and traditional art styles. There is something for everybody. The Edge Center plan for years to come is to continue to create live theatre and music, present thoughtful paintings and plays, entertain with classic movies and lovely photography, introducing a wide variety of art forms to entertain and educate. Our building is entirely ADA compliant. Nursing home residents are transported regularly to performances at the Edge Center, encouraged by half-price tickets.