Operating Support Grant

Assessment and evaluation of the programs we present each season contribute to how we shape the following season's programming. For example, for many years we presented a old-time country showcase called the Grand Marais Old Opry, which was very popular and well-attended. It was one of the best audience-turnout events we had ever presented, and it sold out our auditorium each year for three years. The last two years we presented it, however, we found that numbers dwindled. There was no longer the high interest in this style of music in our community, so we put the project on ice. When the pandemic started, we sent out a survey to our membership base, local schools, and the wider community, asking what kind of programming they would most like to see us present, given that we could not safely offer our regular in-person performances and educational outreach. The overwhelming response was a desire for us to focus on virtual programs in the schools, so that's what we did. Feedback in the form of audience surveys and oral feedback from attendees at our events inform us with each individual project how well the programming we have offered has been received. Attendance numbers at concerts and educational outreach events also reflect level of interest for each event. At our monthly meetings we carefully assess all these factors in evaluating whether or not each program has met constituent needs. When planning every new season's offerings we reflect back on the previous season, incorporating feedback and numbers from each event, as well as feedback member and community surveys we have sent out, inquiring what kind of programming constituents would like us to offer. For educational outreach programming in the schools, our director asks educators directly what kind of programming they would like for their classroom. For example, tailoring the project to fit a theme or focus of study, such as "the science of sound" or "musical geography," or learning about the music of a specific culture. All of our events are family friendly and open to the public of all ages. In order to reach the broadest array of constituents available, we advertise through multiple outlets, including newspaper stories and ads, radio spots, posters, our website and local arts and activity blogs, and social media. Concert-audience and outreach-participant survey feedback shows us that our events are attended by a wide array of ages -- from preschoolers through highschoolers for our community outreach and in-school programming, to people of all ages, including a large number of senior citizens at our outreach and concert events. Because Cook County is a remote rural community, our population is underserved with performing arts programming due to our distance from urban centers. Therefore, NSMA plays an important role to bringing eclectic, high-quality musical performance and education programming to our area. Some examples of recent audience feedback that reflects how we benefit our area of MN include: ?Wonderful musicianship. I appreciated the international flavor and diverse genres, and the blending of them.? ?I enjoyed the skilled musicianship, energy, and positive attitude of performers. I also loved learning about musical heritage of South America.? ?A vibrant, relaxed, and heart-filled performance. Gorgeous original and traditional jazz. I learned that there is such variety in Argentinian music!?